Out with the old and in with the new!

"Out with the old and in with the new!"

This week was filled with experiences that upgraded my tech tools from past to present. It can be hard to give up on tried and true for brand new. It is the unknown that can be a bit scary. Since I can remember, I have always used my Internet browser to bookmark important websites. I have a hard enough time remembering my own home phone number, let alone multiple websites. Well, this week I "ditched" my browser bookmarks and upgraded to using Diigo. Diigo is a super convenient tool that helps you organize all of your favorite websites or articles into ONE place. These can be accessed from any computer at any time! That is so much easier than relying on using the same computer each time I need to go to a bookmarked website. What is also a benefit for this tool is that it can help us share what we like, annotate articles, and create outlines for important information. How cool is that?

Never used Diigo? Check out this video below for a tutorial.

Another tool that I upgraded to was Twitter. This might surprise you, but I have actually had Twitter for quite some time now. I've just never used it to actually Tweet (share information or pictures). This week I explored Twitter from an educators perspective so that I can justify using it on a more regular basis. I checked out different chats (#hashtags) and different Twitter users (@___). I really liked #biology for the science content and resources. #byondthetextbook was a great chat that included conversations about moving beyond the traditional "teach to the textbook" model. Maybe one day I could start a #CougarScience for all the exciting activities we do in our classroom. There are definitely some things about Twitter that I have reservations about. I believe that with time and practice, I will become a more comfortable Twitter user. For now, I will stick to following @usavolleyball for all of my coaching needs and @BrainScience for great articles and updates in the world of science! It is so exciting to see my Twitter feed update constantly. This is such a great to tool to help me stay "in the loop."

I am excited for what the future will bring. It is amazing to think that there are so many tools out there that I don't even know exist. I hope you continue to join me on my journey to become a Connected Educator!

Let's Go Royals!

-Mrs. Adkins

Back to Blogging

Back to Blogging

::Yawn and stretch::

Phew! It has been a LONG time since I've blogged. Now I am up and ready to get back at it again. This week I've been slowly getting into the groove of things. One of my newest tech tools is called Feedly and it seems like it is going to be an extremely easy way for me to keep up with the blogging world. Goodness knows I need to make it as easy as possible during my time of awakening. In fact, here is a link to Feedly - perhaps you will find it as useful as I will. 

As you know, I am working on completing my master's degree at Baker University. My current course is The Connected Educator. I look forward to learning the "ins and outs" of being a tech-savvy teacher so that I can truly enrich the learning process for each and every one of my students. Don't worry, I will keep you posted throughout this process. I am definitely not a technology novice - I am certainly no expert either. RSS, what? Anyway, stay tuned and you will hopefully see my blog blossom!

-Mrs. Adkins

p.s. Just in case you're interested - here is a video on getting started with Feedly! Enjoy.

Earth Day 2013

* Celebrate Earth Day *

It is time to celebrate Earth Day! This year, Cheri Duckwyler volunteered to participate in the Charleston Newspapers in Education Earth Day contest. Her challenge was to create a hat using recycled newspaper! I definitely think she rose to the occasion by creating her "Kentucky Derby" inspired hat. Great job and good luck Cheri! I challenge the rest of you to create something using recycled material. Take a picture of your creation, send it to me, and it might just end up on our classroom blog.

Cheri shows off her wonderful Earth Day creation!

"Star" Students

7th grade science students are "stars"!

To cap off our unit on stars, 7th grade science students completed a 4-day project that included researching a specific star and creating it using paper mache mix, balloons, newspaper, and acrylic paints. Each student handmade their star according to the research they completed on day 1. Take a look at what they were able to accomplish!

(Day 1: Michaela works on Step # 1 - researching her star, the Sun)

 (Day 2: JJ, Talia, Sydney, & Mark work on Step #2 - paper mache)

 (Kaylan, Autumn, & Brookelyn are hard at work. Nice job ladies!)

 (Day 2 is a success! The students let their stars dry overnight)

 (Day 3: Allie, Makayla, Mariah, Madeline, & Morgan work on Step #3 - paint)

 (Mark & Ryan displaying their completed work)

 (Day 3 is also a success! Students used their research to determine the color)

(Day 4: Mrs. Adkins' homebase displays their final products)

Science Rocks!

SCIENCE ROCKS!

Check out these fun rocks and minerals games, during our Geology unit, to help you sharpen your skills!

Rock Tester

Vocab Rocks!

Rocks Jigsaw Puzzles

Rocks Slide Puzzles

Label the Rock Cycle Diagram

"Who Am I?" Rock Game

Minerals Down Under

Rocks and Minerals Concentration Game

Rocks and Soils: The Sara Jane Adventures

The Mineral Factory

Rock Identification

"Dig Into Geology" WordSearch

Rocks and Minerals Matching

Rocks and Minerals FunTrivia

Back-to-School!

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2012 - 13 school year in Mrs. Adkins' 7th grade science class! I really look forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of you in the coming weeks.  Last year was a lot of fun and I am anxious to kick-start a new and knowledge-packed year. I am sure you are excited and probably a little bit nervous for that 1st day. The first day and week can make anyone nervous.  Need any ideas for avoiding the 1st day/week jitters? Take a look at the tips I have listed below.  So, let's start the school year strong and build the best bunch of 7th grade Bulldogs in Dunbar's history!

- Mrs. Adkins

8 Tips for Starting the School Year Prepared and Avoiding 1st Day Jitters:

1. Check the school supplies list and make sure you have ALL of the necessary supplies. (Make sure you don't spend the $ on items that are NOT permitted at DMS)
2. Start going to bed a little earlier and practice getting up and getting ready for school.
3. Set out your 1st day wardrobe the night before.
4. Eat a good dinner the night before, and have a good breakfast the morning of.
5. Attend the DMS Open House on Thursday, August 16th. It is a great time to meet and greet your new teachers or visit last years teachers!
6. Take a look at the DMS school website and familiarize yourself with upcoming activities and announcements.
7. Make sure you take time to work with Edline. It is a great tool for keeping up with your grades and communicating with teachers.
8. Bring a pencil and paper to EVERY class on the 1st day. I suggest that you bring a small folder to hold your paper in and store any important 1st day items you may receive.

APRIL IS THE MONTH TO CELEBRATE EARTH!

Earth is an extremely unique and amazing planet! So, why not show how thankful we are for everything it does for us?

photo courtesy of: http://socialtimes.com/

This month's challenge:
I encourage you to make an effort to improve your community! Remember-- Always ask for permission and help from your parents/guardians before doing anything.
Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Plant a tree or some flowers.
- Help pick up trash near your home or community.
- Create a recycling bin for your home.
- Get involved in a community service project that helps your community and the people that live there.

If you accept this challenge, take a picture of you and your family, or friends, in action!  Write a 1 page paper (front only) about your participation in this challenge. Submit the picture and your paper to me and receive bonus points!

GOOD LUCK!!