It’s the end of the school year, but for me, it’s more than that – it’s the end of an era. I’ve taught my last “real” group homeschool class (and there’s just one more regents review study session). It’s a strange feeling – I’m massively excited about my new job teaching science in a lovely … More The end of the year
In recent class, I introduced my students to the concept of pollination syndromes, partly as a way of exploring an ecological concept and partly as a way of seeing an example of how science actually works. We started by reading a rather nice article on the topic. This particular class is engaged and enthusiastic, so … More High School Biology: Pollination Syndromes
I got this email earlier in the month, and boy, did it put a smile on my face. It might be hard to read, so here’s the text: XXX is literally jumping up and down with excitement tonight about pluripotent cells and the effect of hormones! Now she has your handouts all over her bed … More High School Biology: Success!
One of the things I love about teaching in general, and teaching science in particular, is watching kids just sort of lose it when they make an exciting discovery. That’s been happening quite a bit recently in my elementary science class. (Excited squeals? Check. Jumping up and down? Check. Begging to take test strips home … More Elementary Science: Chemical Testing
I’ve written many recommendations for students over the years, but this morning I’m working on my first college recommendation. It’s quite a shock – I’ve known the student since she was 9 years old. She was in my science classes from fourth grade through tenth grade. I still think of her as an adorable little … More My First College Recomendation (Oh My!)
Last year, one of my students gave me an adorable knitted stingray. She made it to use as a prop during her poster presentation on stingrays. Do I have the absolute best students? It’s definitely possible.
Some of my high school biology students gave me this thank-you note at the end of the year. For some reason, I’m having trouble getting a clear photo of it – I may have to try again on a less overcast day. Aren’t I the luckiest teacher to have such lovely students? (If you can’t … More Sweet Thank-You Note
Ms. Mathisen's Science Class 