Morning launch of Space Shuttle STS 131
It's 6:35 am EST and I just came in from my front yard where I was watching the STS 131 Shuttle launch. Absolutely perfect - could see the glow of the external tanks drop! Most perfect conditions in years. I was even out early enough to see the Space Station pass over (looked like a plane flying under the moon) minutes before the launch. Only three more launches left.
How do we fund all of this?
I get asked this a lot. Part of the answer is grant writing. For the last five years I've been able to bring in around $2500 by submitting local, district and national grants. An example is the Air Force Association Educator's grant that we recently were awarded. The amount is $250 which we will use to purchase model rocket kits, rocket engines and airplane supplies. This is the third year we have received this grant. I spend a couple of hours a week in the evening surfing for grants. Never assume you can't get money - it's there.
Our school doesn't provide supplies or materials for my program. I get some money for my annual science night and to register our Science Olympiad competitions. All of the materials you see in the pictures are my personal materials. Unfortunately I do spend a great deal of my own money, but like so many of you, it is the price you pay to teach the way you feel is the most effective. Look for more funding ideas in the future.
Our school doesn't provide supplies or materials for my program. I get some money for my annual science night and to register our Science Olympiad competitions. All of the materials you see in the pictures are my personal materials. Unfortunately I do spend a great deal of my own money, but like so many of you, it is the price you pay to teach the way you feel is the most effective. Look for more funding ideas in the future.
A quick Science Lab update
After a very cold and windy winter we are finally catching up. Though Florida wasn't covered in snow, we have suffered this winter. Our school garden was almost completely destroyed - too many hard freezes! Our fifth grade garden club is quickly cleaning, weeding and replanting. Pictures to follow.
Our two aeronautic clubs have now built four remote controlled airplanes. Our planes are electric powered and use Lipo batteries similar to those used in cell phones. We practice on our flight simulator regularly and are now in the process of issuing a "Camelot Pilot License" to students who have proven successful with the simulator, can identify the parts of a plane and transmitter, and have a good understanding of flight. These students will now begin to fly our remote controlled airplanes on a "buddy box" (think drivers education) under the supervision of our parent volunteer. Look for pictures and videos which will be following shortly.
Our two aeronautic clubs have now built four remote controlled airplanes. Our planes are electric powered and use Lipo batteries similar to those used in cell phones. We practice on our flight simulator regularly and are now in the process of issuing a "Camelot Pilot License" to students who have proven successful with the simulator, can identify the parts of a plane and transmitter, and have a good understanding of flight. These students will now begin to fly our remote controlled airplanes on a "buddy box" (think drivers education) under the supervision of our parent volunteer. Look for pictures and videos which will be following shortly.
2K10
Happy New Year! Good bye "aughts" hello 2K10. Finally, mathematical slang! So many wonderful new things to learn about and share regarding elementary science. Briefly - I am so proud of my science clubs this year:
Our two Aerospace clubs, the Camelot Knight Flyers have completed their first remote controlled plane and we will send it on it's first flight this Thursday. A special thanks to Mr. Moses Alicea, our gifted parent volunteer that provides the knowledge and expertise which is allowing our fourth and fifth graders to build and fly these wonderful planes! Pictures to follow.
My garden club has begun construction and has create plans to expand our garden once again! I see garden sculpture, rows of vegetables, and many wind chimes in our future.
The Camelot Science Olympians are going strong as our two teams of fourth and fifth graders prepare for problem solving competitions beginning in the very near future. 2010 pomise to bring even more excitement!
Our two Aerospace clubs, the Camelot Knight Flyers have completed their first remote controlled plane and we will send it on it's first flight this Thursday. A special thanks to Mr. Moses Alicea, our gifted parent volunteer that provides the knowledge and expertise which is allowing our fourth and fifth graders to build and fly these wonderful planes! Pictures to follow.
My garden club has begun construction and has create plans to expand our garden once again! I see garden sculpture, rows of vegetables, and many wind chimes in our future.
The Camelot Science Olympians are going strong as our two teams of fourth and fifth graders prepare for problem solving competitions beginning in the very near future. 2010 pomise to bring even more excitement!
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