What's Our Sputnik?

What’s Our Sputnik?

            I enjoyed the article, “What’s Our Sputnik?” by Thomas Freidman. The author writes in a manner that makes you consider how the United States is progressing, in terms of innovation. I agree that our response to the Soviet Union’s launch of a satellite into space, known as “The Great Space Race” was the foundation of our society becoming more productive in the fields of science, technology and engineering.  Additionally, these achievements produced the internet, more students studying math and people generally wanting to build the nation. (Freidman, 2010)

            To re-create the excitement and financial investment in science education, our society needs to be responsible for their own actions. I really like the statement made by Freidman, “How can I improve myself?” Sadly, members of our country want to blame others for their hardships. “It’s someone else’s fault! Give me a handout!”  The future of science education begins with classroom teachers. We need to set high expectations for all students to learn and be accountable for their choices. This needs to be done at a local level in every school across America. I believe that the States to create laws that hold parents accountable for being parents. This would ensure that all children are cared for and given the opportunities and resources to become successful. You need a license for driving, fishing, hunting, teaching and having a dog. Parents should be required to take parenting classes to care for children. As a Nation, we need to allocate more investments into research, technology and design, than what is currently given.

            I researched and discovered that to date, the United States has spent $830.2 billion dollars on wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was surprised to learn the percentages of military and educational expenses that China and the United States allocate from their yearly budget.  China spends 18.2% on the military and 12.1% on education. The U.S. spends 19.3% on the military and 17.1% on education. I believe that the U.S. needs to stress the importance of education and STEM careers and use this money wisely for the benefit of our country and its future.

References:

Friedman, T. L. (2010, January 17). What’s our Sputnik? [Op-Ed]. The New York Times [Late Edition (East Coast)], p. WK.8.

http://visualeconomics.com

Modeling Earth Science

Modeling Earth: PLATE TECTONICS

I created a model of the 3 types of boundaries (divergent, convergent and transform) using paper, tape, scissors and cut drinking straws. The model helped the students to visualize the plate movement and boundaries and also the effects of this movement to continental and oceanic crust. The blue paper represents oceanic crust and the green paper represents continental crust. It took 4 class periods, 40 minutes in duration, to complete the foldable. However, the goal of the lesson was met, the students understood how plates move at boundaries and the effects caused by the movement.

Increasing Awareness of Natural Disasters

Increasing Awareness of Natural Disasters
Natural Disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions can occur anywhere and anytime. To increase awareness of these events it is important to teach students how these events happen. Some areas of the world are lucky, in terms of never having to experience these horrific events and the devastation that they leave behind. To connect students in understanding how these events affect real people everyday, all over the world, I will collaborate with the English teacher and have the students research the different types of natural disasters. The students will create a Power Point and present their information to the class. Upon completion of the presentations, the students will chose one disaster and decide how they can contribute to this area. Our 8th grade team will then find ways to help. It could be by collecting personal care items and sending them to the Red Cross for distribution to the area or the students may collect change at lunch and mail the money to the organization in need. I'm sure there are several possibilities, but it is important to teach children how groups of people need to come together to help others, as someday, we may be that group that needs help.

Web 2.0 Tools

Prezi and Zoho Show 2.0 are two new multimedia presentation tools. Both come with tutorials and seem fairly easy to learn. I am a novice in technology, but believe that I could create a presentation with both of these. However, it would take practice to use all the enhancements that each offer. PREZI requires Adobe Flash 10, 1gb memory and Internet Explorer 7 or higher. An advantage of both tools is that your account can be accessed from any computer with internet connection. You can collaborate with others, publish to groups or publish privately.