Current Issues: "Thirst for Water Moves and Shakes California"

I was skimming through Facebook a while back and came across this article on the Student Science website about how the lack of water in California is causing tiny earthquakes and the mountains/land to shift. I thought it was an interesting read.  You can read the article here!

This would be a great article and current issue to tie into many different lessons in science.  It relates to all five elementary state standard topics: Embedded Inquiry, Embedded Technology and Engineering, Life Science, Physical Science and Earth and Space Science.

I think it is a great idea to tie current issues into learning, especially when the students can relate to what they are learning.  If the students have a personal connection, the information is more likely to be retained.  So, use both local and national topics and issues to help make personal connections for your students!

Integrated Curriculum Annotated Bibliography

We had to do an annotated bibliography for my Integrated Curriculum class and I figured I would share the books and information I collected so that you could possibly use them in your (current or future) classroom.  Not only does the bibliography give information about the books, but it also has aligned state standards with each book as well!

Click here to see the annotated bibliography! Enjoy!

It's Fall Y'all!

This is definitely my favorite time of year! Cooler weather, football & foliage!  What's not to love?  While I was driving one day and admiring the turning of the trees, I thought it would be interesting to study (and maybe do a time lapse video/project with your students) of the whole process.  Also, for younger students you could tie in a literary connection with the book Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro.  For older students, you could have them do more of the research behind why the leaves change color on their own, and as a class you could document the color changing process.  I literally cannot say enough about how much I love to just drive and look at all the trees and their different vibrant colors.  When my husband and I visit our Nany in the Smoky Mountains during this time of year I HAVE to take several hikes or drives through Cades Cove and through the scenic routes just so I can see all of God's beauty unfold before me.  This time of year (especially the transitioning of the leaves) symbolizes so much more than just the changing of the seasons... it symbolizes changes in life, and it really makes you think about all aspects of life.

Cooking is Science!

I was reading one of my classmates blogs and she posted about cooking being a science, and I honestly had not thought about that up until this point.  My husband and I LOVE to cook and try new things, so I definitely would love to take that aspect of my life into the classroom.  As soon as I read the post on my classmates' blog I immediately thought of the reaction that yeast causes when mixed with warm water.  There are so many different reactions that take place in the kitchen, so there are many options to explore with your kiddos.

Blue Flame University

At the end of our science class this past weekend, our professor's husband came in to talk to us about the FREE services that his company does for the schools in the surrounding area.  Their program is targeted for 4th grade, but can be adaptable to most any elementary classrooms if you are interested.  

So, what is Blue Flame University, you ask?  

It is an informational session and demonstration done by Middle Tennessee Natural Gas to educate students (and adults) on natural gas.  The session lasts about 45 minutes to an hour and includes science, math, history and social studies skills.  (Yay for integration!)

*You can find out more details about Blue Flame University on their website.  Also, FYI, the gas company will come out and inspect your residential property and check to make sure that when you start digging for your garden or start the foundation for your new home that that you don't hit any natural gas lines.  All you have to do is dial "811" (at least three days prior to your planned digging)!  For more information on that service you can look here.