Going Buggy

I got this email today and thought there might be some of my followers who would want to know about it.  If you teach insects, check into this.  I know I plan on checking it out!

Hello, 

I wanted to clue everyone in on an opportunity that I don't think many people know about. The Entomological Foundation is a non-profit that does insect education and outreach programs for K-12 students. Their website hosts some educational materials like lesson plans and activities for students. These "science projects" that teachers can do with their students are submitted by educators on an annual contest. Winners (there are always 5-10) each receive $100! I really feel that insect education is fascinating and holds great appeal to many students, but that many times insect biology gets shuffled to the back.  I know many of you have great insect activities that could be shared! Also, the foundation website is a good resource even if you don't participate. 

Details for the competition can be found at: 

http://www.entfdn.org/projectcontest.php

Examples of winning projects can be found at: 

http://www.entfdn.org/scienceprojects.php

Monday Mathematics: QR Code Measurement Fun

Who doesn't love a good mystery?  QR Codes are a fun way to infuse technology into a lesson along with a little mystery.  The code in and of itself provides the mystery. Here is one of my favorite QR Code projects from this past year.

Facebook Posting Party

A bunch of "Top Teachers" have gotten together to host a Facebook Posting Party.  Chances are you are here as a result of that.  Thanks for taking time to stop by.  I know some of you have yet to begin your summer vacation and others have just barely begun but if you are like all the other "Top Teachers" out there, you are already "Gearing Up" for what the 2012-2013 school year is going to bring.

With that in mind, I decided to pull together a bunch of my favorite creations to give you for FREE!  This 17 page PDF will give you a taste of the types of products I like to make.  I'm always glad to create new sets and I may already have elaborated on some of the ideas you will see.  I'd welcome your feedback in the comments section and would even consider doing some more custom design if you have a need.  Most of my design work results in a theme set that runs between $3.00 and $6.00 depending on what you want in it.

Don't forget to go back to the facebook page and click on some of the other Top Teachers to see what kinds of information they share on their blogs and what FREE item they may have posted.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.

Every Day Engineering - The World's Quietest Pencil Sharpener

A couple of months ago, I came across a blog post from another teacher that was just raving about "The World's Quietest Pencil Sharpener".  I gotta say, this caught my attention.  If there is one thing that gets on my nerves, it is someone sharpening a pencil during my class.  It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to try one of these out for myself.  I was pretty excited to have the chance to try it for free in exchange for a review of the sharpener on my blog.  

Before I could even give it a whirl, I received an email asking me to hold off on my review because they were OUT OF STOCK!  Wow, I figured these must be awesome!  Then mine arrived and I got a chance to test it for myself.  I've been dying to tell you about it ever since and today I finally got the go ahead that they are back in stock and I could share my review.

So... here it is.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.