Vacation is coming, Vacation is coming

Hey All, How's life treating you? Really ... well that's nice to hear. I'm doing well. It's been tough getting SIMMs to the students. I've spent much time trying to give them the back ground skills needed to accomplish many of the activities. It's been very slow going. I really like the activities in the books (I teach Level 1 and 3 with a smattering of 2) but the students really need to be guided through many parts. Some of my students are getting it and that makes my day when I get an aha moment.
I'd like to thank Jim and Sue for not only showing the way but also for the Share Site and many documents to use in class. I have used many of them as is and use some with my personal modifications. The share site has saved me a few times when I needed a good homework page for the class.
Once again thanks to all and to all a good night... can you believe that... from the Jewish guy.
Happy Holidays

Hats Off to math people in Newark

Hi all. Welcome from snowy Fairfield Center, Maine. Not many schools are in session today because of the weather.

I spent yesterday (12.08.09) with the high school math department chairs of Newark, New Jersey. What a great day I had. This year all 16 (I think) high schools in Newark are implementing SIMMS as their only math curriculum. I spent a week in July with 75 or so high school teachers. What an outstanding group. The enthusiasm and and commitment were contagious.

Their chairs asked to spend a day with me in order to figure ways to further support their respective departments. We shared things about the curriculum, what to expect when you step into a SIMMS class, the best ways to facilitate professional learning communities that include SIMMS, how to communicate with parents about the curriculum, and just a tiny bit about my grandchildren. Well, what did you expect for a nickle?

At the end of the day the kids on Newark are going to be the ones who benefit the most from this wonderful group of people. It seems that whenever you hear the word Newark negative comments come up. It is time to realize what positive things are happening in this city. I have really enjoyed my time there, and look forward to returning many times. It is leaders like these math people who make it an up and coming community. Go in peace. Jim

Well

So sorry I have not contributed yet. In addition to a Level 1 class, I am teaching a new course at our high school, and it has been crazy to say the least.

Anyway, we just finished up "Food" at our high school and have started "Well." One of the concerns that came up was the materials needed for the exploration in Activity 1. We could not find our timers, and the few we did find all had dead batteries. The suggestion was made to have students use their cell phones. Almost every phone has a stopwatch feature, which worked beautifully! The kids were excited that they were able to whip out their phones and not get them confiscated. The data we collected was actually very consistent; more so than with the timers we used in the past!

For funnels, a manila folder works great. Using an open folder, I make an arc using a radius of the desired opening diameter. Cut out the semi-circle, close the folder and tape the bottom edge. Kids have to be reminded to keep the opening as circular as possible, but the results are fantastic. They hold up to three liters - more than the required two. Plus, if the folders actually hold up to student use, you can "file" them away very easily. This has worked for me for many years. We had a great time, collected some good data and saved a bunch of time.

Happy SIMMSing!