Evaluations

Today just seems to be the day of evaluations in my classroom. Tests in Advanced Biology and Chemistry, proposal forms needed to be completed today for 7th and 8th grade science projects, and MY evaluation.

Let's start with the students. The Chemistry Test went ok. Some students surprised me by not doing better, but most that didn't work hard in class during the last two weeks failed the test. The Advanced Biology test is going ok. Yup, 1 period down, probably half of the next. As far as science fair projects, most students got their proposal forms in on time, and most required very few (if any) revisions. There are a few projects that have yet to be officially approved, just because they don't have their forms done yet.

My evaluation, so far, I think went well. Today, the Superintendent observed my class. We mutually agreed upon Biology class today, partially because there was a structured lesson AND because there was an activity. Yup, he observed the students (and myself) performing Gram Stains on bacterial cultures they had obtained from various locations in the school. I actually think the Superintendent enjoyed himself in the class. He did say afterwords that it was well structured and enjoyable. Let's just wait a few days to see what I get dinged on.

(I already know that I will lose points on Classroom decor, because I lose points on that every year. I just can't convice anybody that "Messy" is classroom decor. Although, I must admit, I don't put much energy into "decorating" my classroom. I would rather put energy into fun lessons and very good lectures. Hopefully he doesn't think that the "messy" lab means I'm not organized. Otherwise I will lose points on organization. I mean, I can find everything I need in the appropriate piles. AND my lessons are in fact very organized.)

Overall, I think I did very well in front of the boss man today. I know I'm not perfect, and maybe he'll have some suggestions as to improve the areas that he saw I didn't do very well in. (Except room decor, which I will probably always be lacking in. But hey, I think the room looks better every year.)

NSTA and Vacations

I can't believe it. I got my first issue of the Science Teacher, which means I'm now an NSTA member. O.k., I'm really not that excited about becoming a member, but this newest issue of The Science Teacher looks cool.

The basic theme of the issue is science literacy. Well, there are a few interesting articles on literacy in science, how to improve it at the high school level, etc. But the best article is on using Science Fiction in the science classroom. I'm totally going to read it, and see if I can't use it in my own class room. O.k., so I pretty much just want to use it so I have an excuse to read more SciFi, but hey, some of the science fiction literature is very good.

Anyway, the classroom was really hot today, mostly because I had hotplates or lab burners on all morning. Ick, just way too hot.

No major issues in the classes today. I did have one student just shut down in chemistry because he is too frustrated. Well, he missed a week of class* during our discussion of quantum mechanics. And our current topic builds on that last chapter. He didn't do any of the homework (I'm guessing he didn't even bring it with him.) I am trying to help, but I do get a little upset. Mostly because I don't agree with his reason for missing class.

Biology class is finally starting their microbiology lab that has been postponed since Thanksgiving. Hopefully they will enjoy it. Science fair projects are continuing at a reasonable rate. All in all things are going well.



*He missed a week of school to go to Florida for vacation.

Quick Post

I'm going to make this a relatively quick post.

So, how about those football games. I've now predicted correctly 4 out of the last six games. Wow! O.k., so I don't know much about either of the teams. I just picked Seattle because they had a better record and are much closer than Carolina to my current location. As far as the Steelers pick, I don't like the Donkey's much, so I'll pick any team playing against them.

I'm sure glad Jake Plummer returned to his old form for the AFC Championship game. That pretty much guaranteed a victory for the Steelers.

I haven't thought much about the Superbowl yet, but I'm leaning toward a victory for a team that starts with the letter "S". Could be Steelers. Could be Seahawks. Could be Spurs.

Well, it'll just be the guys (me, the cat, and the dog) at the house for the next couple of days. My wife has a 3 day conference in Bozeman on Autism and Asperberger's Syndrome. It really does sound interesting, especially because we both work with students that have Asperberger's. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep ourselves busy while my wife is away.

TV happenings & more predictions

With American Idol beginning this week, I now officially know what I will be watching on TV. To me, the time between Amazing Race/Survivor and American Idol really can be a really tough time to watch tv. I used to go in for sitcoms, but these days very few seem to be of even a decent quality. The exception for me this year would be How I Met Your Mother, but I've already posted on that.

These days, I'm one of those fools that gets suckered in by the reality shows. I don't know why. Maybe it is because they are done in a matter of weeks, thus only requiring you to be loyal for 3 months, instead of 9. Maybe I just like laughing my butt off at some of the fools on tv.

Well, American Idol is back on TV, and there have already been some glimpses of some potential stars in the making. Perhaps my favorite already is a kid from Vetran, WY. The kid can sing, but has never sung infront of people. Before trying out in front of Simon, Paula, and Randy, he would only sing around Turkeys (the kind you eat on Thanksgiving!) Well, in his audition he was definitely nervous, but you could hear that he did have some ability. I sure hope he gets over his nerves and really blows the socks off them in the next round.

My other Idol thought is ... are you ready ... Simon can be a real jerk sometimes. You might not have guessed it, but he can be really mean. There have been cases already where he makes crude jokes about a person's size. (Excuse me Simon, if I'm not mistaken, the fellow that won the second season was not a small man.) What I don't like is that when he doesn't like a person, or think a person is the next American Idol, he puts them down or makes fun of them. I would prefer to see him just tell the person, "You're not what we are looking for." In fact, in yesterday's episode, I actually saw him doing the unthinkable, yup he was actually thinking! Ok, so he was probably thinking about if the contestant was Idol material. But that's not all, after thinking, he actually said (and I'm paraphrasing here) "You're not Idol material." That's it. No crude comment or joke. Refreshing.

Although Reality Shows occupy most of our viewing time it seems, both my wife and I are enjoying Friday Night TV. Well, ok, TLC does save part of our evening with What Not To Wear, which I swear is the best TLC show out there now (Since Trading Spaces has gone way down hill). But after WNTW, I seem to be transfixed watching, of all shows, The Book of Daniel. I know it may sound weird, but I actually enjoy the show. Sure, the problems are over the top, but really what is better than a Pastor/Father trying to get out of doing business with the mob while overcoming his Vicotin (sp?) addiction. Just absolutely fun, trashy, tv.

Football Predictions
Steelers over Donkeys. The wheels on the Bus go round and round, round and round, right on top of Plummer and Crew. Since they beat the Colts, this is my AFC team to root for. I sure hope the Steelers don't have a let down after that hugely entertaining 4th quarter last week.

Seahawks over Carolina. I think Holmgren has got this team playing the absolute best football in the NFC now, and most of the year. Too bad neither NFC team left could beat either the Steelers or the Donkeys.

The Opera!

Today we had a very wonderful presentation by the Rimrock Opera. They came to our school and performed The Night Harry Stopped Smoking. I must say they did a wonderful job. Although the production was geared for more the elementary/middle school level, everyone that attended enjoyed themselves, including those way too cool high school students.

As it so happened today, I actually had spare time. The past 4 days I've been nothing but busy, with virtually no breaks. Well today, because of all my hard work earlier this week, I actually had some "down" time. Here's the problem, I don't know what to do when I have down time. Well, today's down time activity included looking on the internet for any science activities that I could incoporate into my classes. Too bad I didn't find anything I thought would help enhance the material I teach.

Science fair projects are fully underway in both 7th and 8th grade now. 7th graders are at the point where they can actually begin doing their experiments and research. 8th graders have finally determined the question(s) they will be trying to answer and are now doing some background research. Hopefully most of the students will be done with their experiments by the end of the month.

Grades Done

Well folks, semester grades are due tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., and I turned mine in at 2 p.m. today. Yup, ahead of schedule. It didn't take nearly as long as I had thought it would (although I did spend most of the Colts/Steelers game yesterday grading papers!).

Overall, I had a productive day. First off, I got through all my classes without many problems. Most classes in fact went well. As far as my to do list, I managed to do the following (in addition to teaching classes):

• Put all "New" grades in the computer. Yup, grades from yesterday's grading session had to be entered in the computer
• Calculated semester grades
• Printed out semester grades for the office. This was actually more difficult than it sounds because our network printer is down, and I had to find away to get grades off the server and on to my computer that has a printer (which is not connected to the network).
• I finished all my copying for this weeks classes. Yup, I have everything copied in advance so I don't have do any last minute copying. Copying included tomorrow's ESCI test and PSCI test, today's Chem Study Guide, Friday's Chem Lab, Science Fair info for 8th grade, Bio Review Worksheet, Bio Study Guide, and the Biology test.
• Finished putting together the PSCI science fair packet of information.
• Started and finished the Earth Science Notes we will start Wednesday.
• Served ice cream to the 9th Grade during lunch.

Now for what I didn't accomplish today:

• Chapter 9 chemistry notes
• Advanced Biology notes on apraxias, aphasias, and other neat brain things
• Grading some papers from last week

Yup busy day. Hopefully tomorrow will be less busy.

Predictions

Well, I just thought I'd give my football predictions for this weekend's NFL games. Here goes.

Seahawks over the Redskins. I just don't think the Redskins offense or defense can keep up with the Seahawks. Plus, the Seahawks are at home. The only way I see a Redskins win is if the Seahawks' nerves get to them, which could happen. However, I think if they just give the ball to Alexander, they've got a descent chance at winning.

Patriots over Broncos. This one really is a toss up for me. I've picked the Pat's for a couple reasons. 1) The team is much healthier and playing much better. 2) They've got the playoff experience. Not that Denver doesn't, but the Pat's have been there/done that so many times, their experience will help them not to lose. 3) Bellicheck (sp?). Good X's and O's coach. 4) Brady. Brady's not my favorite QB, but really there is no comparison to Plummer. Until Plummer makes it to the Superbowl, the Pat's have a much better QB. 5) I just don't like the Broncos.

Colt's over Steelers (in the best game of the weekend). This one will be close. I must admit, I'm a huge Payton Manning fan, and truly hopes that this is the year he wins his ring. Also, Dungy might be my favorite head coach in the league. Not that the Steelers don't have some characters I root for. In Bettis's last year (almost certainly), it would be nice for him to win a ring, and Cower never looks happy (which makes me giggle). Which ever team wins this game will be my pick to win the superbowl.

Panther's over Bears. Actually, this one will turn out to be Vikings over Bears. You see, the Panther's earlier this week were replaced by the Vikings. At the end of the game, everyone on the Panther's team will take of their helmets to reveal masks, which when off will be Vikings player. Makes sense, Vikes have had the Bears number for awhile, and since Carolina lost to the Bears earlier this year, the Panthers will let the Vikings play in their spot. (Except Tice won't be there, so obviously the Vikings will win.)

Next Week, AFC and NFC championship picks.

Friday Morning

Well, I was going to post last night, but somehow didn't get around to it. As a result, I'm going to try to squeeze in a post before classes start today.

Update: During our staff meeting yesterday, our superintendent has extened the deadline for turning in semester grades until next Tuesday. I'm just wondering how many staff members complained before he changed his mind, or if he actually understands how much having the computer network down set us back. Anyway, I'm glad the deadline is extended, because that gives me the opportunity to finish grading papers on Sunday, put grades in the computer on Monday, and turn in the grades that same day.

Classes appear to be going well. 7th grade life science are starting their science fair projects, I have projects ranging from investigating the properties of hydroelectric power, to where the highest concentrations of bacteria are in the school, to determining if there is a trend in Bermuda Triangle disappearences. What amazes me is that most of the groups actually have a question that is testable. WOW!

Today looks to be easy, but I may not have enough work scheduled for the students. As a result, I may spend quite a bit of energy trying to keep the students on task, or at least, out of trouble.

Overall, glad it's Friday. (Because it's pay day! and the last day of lunch duty, until the middle of February at least.)

Warm Weather, X-mas Break, and Bert

It has been uncharacteristically warm here the last couple of weeks. Temperatures have been in the mid 40's for the most part, although some days are getting as high as the upper 50's. In fact, my wife and I think it is more like spring/fall than it is like winter.

Well, my wife and I (and Santana) had a very pleasant Christmas Break. We went up to my mother-in-law's place for the holidays and had a very relaxing and fun filled break. About the only thing we both complain about was that the break was really only 1 week long. Both of us had to be at work on the 2nd of January, and I didn't get out of school until the afternoon of the 22nd (of December). The weather was extremely nice in my wife's hometown, except of course, on the day we were leaving. That made for some interesting travel.

My wife's brother also was able to spend time with us, which for me was extremely neat. I really hadn't spent much time with him, so this Christmas Break I got to know him better. I really enjoyed talking to him, watching football, and just generally getting to know him.

One of the more unexpected events during the break was that I was the recipient of a Board Game. Now, getting the game wasn't unexpected, what was unexpected was how much all of us, (wife, mother- & brother -in-law, and myself) enjoyed the game. The game, "Blokus" is a strategy/puzzle game. There are 4 colors of geometric figures. The object of the game is to put as many of your pieces on the board as possible. However, you can only play a piece off the corner of one of your other pieces. Because all 4 colors must be played, the strategy is a little different if 3 people play (you alternate playing the 4th color) or if 2 people play (each play 2 colors) compared to a 4 person game. We must have spent nearly 10 hours or more playing this game.

On a sad note today, Bert Blyleven, the former Twins pitcher and current comentator during the game, failed to make the Hall of Fame today. It was the 9th time he was on the ballot. Although he got 53.3% of the vote, he did not get the required 75% to make the trip to Cooperstown. Hopefully the voters will get it into their thick heads how great a pitcher he was. He might not have won 300 games, but he's 5th all time for Career strike outs, pitched more complete games than Clemens (who will get in on his first ballot more than likely), had one of the lowest ERA for his generation of pitchers, and 9th all time for both games started (685) and shut outs (60). Consider that Pedro Martinez isn't even close to 60 shut outs and he will probably get in. Most people agree that Bert would have been well over 300 wins (that critical number it seems to get you in the Hall of Fame) if he would have been on ball clubs with better run support. Let's not forget he led the '78 Pirates and the '87 Twins to World Series wins and went to two All-Star games. Had he 13 more wins and reached 300, he would have been in long ago. Well Bert, next year is your year. If Bruce Sutter* can get in, so can you.

*Bruce only had 40% of the Vote last year, but managed to get 75% this year.

End of Semester Chaos

Well, the end of the Semester is near. In fact, it is tomorrow! Grades are due Friday, and what with all the computer problems, our Superintendent has decided NOT to extend the deadline. Not even one day to Monday. Of course, over 1/3 of our staff is new and doesn't really know how to run the grading program, but that doesn't deter our Sup.

Anyway, it looks like at least 1 student is transferring out of Chemistry at the end of the semester. It is probably for the best, but the student was a very pleasant student. He's transferring out so that he can have a study hall (which he desperately needs.) Now I wish that 2 or 3 others would transfer out. As for study hall, 1 student has transferred in, and 1 is trying to get out, but probably won't. However, I'm all for his transferring because he does nothing but disrupt the class and prevent other students from trying to complete their homework. Just before I started typing this post, 1 student asked if they could transfer into Advanced Biology. Not a problem by my accounts.

Today has been extremely busy. I've been very hands-on with most of the classes today, making sure they have their work turned in, understand what they are doing, and just generally making sure things are ok. Very productive, but very tiring. Truly, I wish that everyday could be like today. Well, not exactly like today. I had lunch duty (all week actually). So like today, but without the lunch duty.

Down side of being more hands-on is that I didn't get nearly the amount of grading done that I needed to. I still have 2 or 3 assignments to correct from the last 3 days, plus about a 1 1/2 weeks worth of paperwork that piled up before the Christmas break. Hopefully I can get most of this done during school before Friday. It is my hope to compute semester grades on Friday and get them to the Office.

On another note, the lab supplies that I ordered for my biology class around Thanksgiving finally arrived. Apparently our new Clerk "lost" my requisition so things didn't get ordered in time. Yup, stuff I needed for the Bacteria unit. Too bad we are now studying Sponges and Jellyfish. Well, I promised the students we would do the lab. And guess what, after Sponges and Jellyfish, I'm going back and we WILL do the bacteria lab.

I just hope I can keep it together this week.

Lack of posts = bad glacierman

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been quite busy the last month or so with vacations (yippee), work (boooooo), and just relaxing (aaahhhh).

So, my current thought for the day is ... Why do most Minnesota professional sports teams always disappoint their fans?

Of course, we all know that the Vikings will disappoint you every season, but what the heck, we still root for them. At least next season I can be a Vikings fan. I had given it serious thought that I should switch and become a Colts fan #1, then a Vikings fan. But with the firing of Tice, I might give it another year.

We all know that Garnett won't win a championship with the T-wolves, so why do we keep on rooting for him and the team. I mean really, can they compete with the likes of San Antonio, Miami, or Detroit. They are a good team, but getting out the first round of the playoffs probably won't happen, if they even make it. At least their division is pretty weak this year.

Twins. This upcoming season they are the underdogs. Hasn't happened in a few years. But with the crappy ChiSox winning the World Series last year, what do you expect. At least coming into the next season, most fans shouldn't be expecting the Twins to become AL central champions (of course though, they WILL be AL Central champs!). The Twins really though are the only professional sports team to give the MN fans anything to cheer about the last 20 years or so.

Can't live with them, can't live without them

I need to be quick today.

So, as you can tell, I haven't posted in a while. You see, when the teachers (and students) got back to school last Monday after X-mas break, none of us could log on. Apparently, over the vacation, something had happened to the server. Well, as a result, we were without computers for the entire week. Apparently, many of our computers were infected with all sorts of viruses. (In fact, one computer had 2000 different forms of malicious code.)

You would think that this wouldn't be a problem, but noooooooo.... See the computer guys suggest we save all our files on the server so that we can access them any time, and it will be backed up daily so no data will be lost. But you see, they forgot to mention that if the server goes down, yes our data is not lost, but we won't have access to it.

As a result, I spent nearly 2 to 3 times the energy preparing lessons because I had to redo everything that I had already prepared. At least I had some data accessible to me because I did bring my laptop with me.

Well, the staff computers are up and running, and we hope to have the student work stations up and running by the end of tomorrow. But even though we are up and running, data was still lost, though not from the server. All my bookmarks that I had accumulated over the past few semesters were deleted in the process to get my computer up and running. Also, email that was sent to my school account is now gone. So important dates and meetings have been erased.

But at least we think things are working.