The Best X-Mas Gift Ever.

I arrived to work this morning to find a letter from NBC12 sitting in my school mailbox.  Enclosed in the envelope was the best gift (even beating the Star Wars coffee mug) I have ever received from a student or parent or colleague (I don't know which).  It warmed my heart and made me feel good about the work that I do.  Thank you, anonymous nominator.  Below is the text of the letter:

Dear Mr. Green,

Exciting news! You have been nominated for this year's Excellence in Education monthly award! NBC12 and Henrico Federal Credit Union have asked the community to recommend educators who they feel deserve recognition for their dedication and inspiration to students.

Parents, students, and colleagues may nominate teachers. To be considered, the submission must include details on how you inspire your students and develop role models. Below are a few quotes from the submissions; proof that your dedication is noticed and appreciated

Submissions are reviewed by select panel including professors Kate M. Cassada, Ed.D, Assistant Professor of Education UR, Assistant Chair of Graduate Education for Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; LeRon A. Scott, Ed. D., Assistant Professor, Director of COVE, VCU School of Education; as well as representatives from Henrico Federal Credit Union. All nominations are eligible for future monthly awards.

Educators work hard to develop students in the outstanding citizens and adults. We want to encourage you, as part of the esteemed list of nominees, to continue striving for the best for your students. Your hard work and dedication are making a difference.

Here are just a few of the wonderful quotes from your nomination:

"He brings a creative way of teaching to the students."

"He encourages students to reach for the stars."

We wish you continued success!

Proudly,

Henrico Federal Credit Union

NBC12

♫ Model cells, model cells. It's project time in the city♫ (schools)

A completed project.  Photograph from MrScott.org.

The Green Learners will be constructing a three-dimensional model of a plant OR animal cell.  This project will be due January 7th, 2016.  All models must be made out of materials that will not spoil.  The project must be labeled.  Learners may label each organelle or create a key.  Use the questions in the grading section to help develop a good project.  









Each model must include the following organelles:

• Cell Wall (if plant cell)*
• Cell Membrane*
• Nucleus*
• Cytoplasm*
• Vacuoles*
• Chloroplasts (if plant cell)*
• Mitochondria*
• Lysosomes (if animal cell)
• Endoplasmic Reticulum
• Golgi Bodies
• Ribosomes

You will be tested on organelles marked with an asterisk ( * ) at the end of the unit.  Be sure your know their form and function!

Grading:Grades will be based on the following questions:

• Has the project been turned in on time? (January 7th, 2016)
• Is the project identified as a plant or animal cell?
• Is the model a 3-D representation?
• Are all the organelles included?  (10 for plant cells, 9 for animal cells)
• Are the organelles correctly labeled?  Each organelle MUST be labeled with its name and function either on the model or on the key.
• Is everything in its correct place?
• Are the materials acceptable?  The materials cannot be food products that will spoil.
• Did the student use different materials to represent each organelle?
• Is the model equal to or less than 30 centimeters on any side?

(Source)  Thanks Mr. Scott!

Star Wars and Critical Thinking Skills! Who Could Ask for Anything More?

Over the past two days the Green Learners have had a ball with learning the basics of computer programming coding.  The reason for this departure from normalcy is that this week (12/7-13) is Computer Science Education Week.  The Green Learners all explored coding courtesy of code.org and their #HourofCode program.  Coding teaches important skills and concepts such as critical thinking, logic, conditional statements, and problem solving as well as expanding a student's vocabulary.  I was shocked to see how many students didn't know what a tauntaun or a mynock is.

All kidding aside, the students worked through the Star Wars hour of code doing amazing things such as programming BB-8 to collect scrap metal while avoiding bandits or having R2-D2 deliver important messages to Rebel pilots.  They worked through 15 puzzles culminating in taking everything they had learned so far and creating their own games for which they made the rules.

I chose the Star Wars Hour of Code because of my love for Star Wars and the joy I received from hearing dozens of droid beeps and whistles echoing throughout my room, but there are many more Hours of Code to experience at home or even on a smart phone or tablet.  Keep your child coding at home by paying a visit to code.org.

Nobody Wants Poopy Water

The students really paid attention during a lecture today from Mrs. Gay Stokes, a representative from the city's Stormwater Utility, about water conservation.  They learned the phrases "Pick up the poop...don't pollute!" and "Only rain in the drain."

They learned that stormwater runoff is water that flows over driveways, parking lots, roads, sidewalks and roofs – any surface that cannot absorb water. As water travels over the surfaces, it picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste and other pollutants, caring them directly into Richmond's waterways.

Pick up the poop...don't pollute!
15% of all bacteria in our water comes from pet waste – bacteria that can carry harmful disease. Pet waste left behind in yards, streets, driveways and parks is not fertilizer. Without proper treatment, it's just bacteria. And that bacteria can end up in our water supply.

Only rain in the drain
When storm water reaches your storm drain, it isn't alone. Fertilizers, motor oil, pet waste and litter can all come along for the ride. Do your part to limit the ways that rides in the rain and help keep Richmond's water clean for drinking swimming and fishing.

To learn more, check out RVAH2O.org.

Source: Understanding Stormwater - RVAH2O Every Drop Counts

Science Project! No, not that one. A different one.

Model of an Atom Project
I would like you to make a model of an atom. It should clearly show the major parts of an atom: the nucleus which is made up of protons and neutrons, and electrons which travel around the nucleus in a “cloud”. Your model should show that there is empty space between the nucleus and the electrons. Label each part or make a key. Refer to the “All About Atoms” handout you received and use the Periodic Table of the Elements in your agenda for information.

Use your imagination and creativity in selecting materials for this project. It can be presented as a free standing model, or suspended from something like a coat hanger, or mounted on a poster board. Feel free to use gumdrops, mini marshmallows, jelly beans, Styrofoam balls, paints, fabric, cut paper, etc. to represent the parts of an atom.

Your grade will be based on:

* Demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the parts of the atom
* A neat and creative visual presentation
* The model is original. It presents a familiar topic (the parts of the atom) in an unfamiliar way.
* Punctuality, this project is due 11/30.  That is the Monday after we return from Thanksgiving Break.

Source

Let's get ready for i-ready

Parents,

Our school has implemented a program called i-Ready^® Diagnostic & Instruction, an innovative adaptive assessment and engaging personalized instruction program for reading and math. i-Ready will help me assess the needs of each and every student in their class while monitoring progress throughout the school year. It will also provide differentiated, individualized online and classroom instruction based on the skills that each student needs.  

i-ready also has a large audio component.  To make the most of this great program, please purchase a set of headphones and send them in with your child.  Thanks!

-Mr. Green

The Green Learners Write an Advertisement.

Today in small groups the students pretended that they worked for the city of Richmond and that it was their job to write advertisements to lure tourists to an urban community. The picture above is one such effort.  I'm of the opinion that these students are ready to go work for an advertising agency.  Most impressive.