Today, we went over the structure of the light  bulb.  Describe how the filament supports are arranged in the "thread" part of the bulb.  Why is this arrangement important to where the bulb has to be touched?  Be careful to answer both parts of the question.

Electricity: It is more than it seems

We started out today looking at this image and predicting which situations would light the bulb.  After testing in class, comment below your findings.  Be prepared to discuss your reasons if and when you are asked.

 In the drawing, we have a battery with a bare wire running from the negative pole of the battery to the positive pole of the battery.  The bare wire is then touching the threads of the bulb.  So, what do you think, will it light?  Why or why not?

Blogging with Students

In 2008, I began blogging as part of the 23 things challenge hosted at Library2Play.blogspot.com.  As part of the 23 things I reassessed my thoughts on lifelong learning.  I knew I was a lifelong learner but didn't recognize the full meaning of that until much later.  While I have no intention of acquiring another degree, I am continuing to learn.  Mostly, in the field of educational technology.

In the near future, I hope to begin blogging with my students.  I plan to try something I read about at the middle school science website.  Mrs. LaRosa states in a blog post that she posts an article and requires her students to comment about the article and on each others comments.  I am planning to try this with my first period class.  I have several concerns:

1. Monitoring student comments.  (What do I do with inappropriate/derogatory comments?)
2. Managing 130+ comments in timely fashion. (How can I "grade" this many comments?)
3. What about the kids that do NOT have internet access? (Surely within one/two week time period they could make it to the library to read an article and comment on it.)
4. Do I use my blog here or do I need to set up another on some other account?  My school's webpage has a place for blogging.  Some how this experiment seems less intimidating with "strangers" than with my co-workers being privy to it.  

I am sure other issues will arise which is why I am going to start with a small class of kids that will follow instructions.