One thing I’m proud of this year is teaching art-integrated lessons. It’s been fun for me and it’s been fun for my learners. You’ll see.
In this post, I will share three of my favorite middle school arts-integrated science lessons from the 22-23 school year. All lesson plans, slides and rubrics are links to make a copy in your google drive. Clicking the link *should* ask you if you want to open as a copy in google docs.
Plant Reproduction – Observational Drawing
This was my first official AI lesson and it went so great! It was also my first time with a co-teacher and I learned a lot from seeing another teacher do her thang.
Standards
Visual Arts: Cr.2.3.8.a: Select, organize, and design images and words to make visually clear and compelling presentations.
NGSS MS-LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms: Plants reproduce in a variety of ways, sometimes depending on animal behavior and specialized features for reproduction. (MS-LS1-4) Rubric
I worried about the glue aspect of this activity, but with my arts integration co-teacher, it was only a problem in one class! There’s an opportunity to collaborate with Math to help students develop a deeper understanding of ratios.
Standards
Visual Arts: VA Re 8.1.8a: Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, artmaking approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
NGSS: MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.
I always go big for Earth Day, and this year was no exception. Several students chose the digital option, and each one of them said it was to reduce waste. My teacher heart just about melted. I tied this into ELA as well.
Standards
Visual Arts: Cr2.E:6-8:2 Explain the environmental, social, and ethical implications of using various tools, materials, equipment, and images to create works of art and design. Rubric
NGSS: MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment. Rubric
Arts Integration is a great strategy for differentiating instruction. I hope you find these resources helpful and if you test any out, please let me know how it goes.
Sometimes you need to remove the background from an image. Fast. Like when you take a lovely photo with your nieces in front of a trash can.
I heard about remove.bg quite some time ago and understood it to be a fast and free tool that could remove the background from any photo. I’m delighted to share that it’s so much more than that. It also provides options for alternate backgrounds, and I had a lot of fun with that feature.
Privacy concerns aside, I was excited to learn that Google Lens can be used to identify plants, animals, and bugs. I use Lens through the Google Photos app since I already have it on my phone.
It’s easy – once you have an image of something to identify, open it in Google Photos and click the lens icon on the bottom of the screen (3rd icon from the left in the image below).
Before you know it, some possible results pop up and with a little clicking, you’ve got yourself the knowledge that you almost stepped on a Fowler’s toad. Almost.
While I’ve only used this to satisfy personal curiosity so far, I’m looking forward to testing this tech-based teacher tool with students in the fall.
Vocaroo is a free online tool that allows users to record, send, and download voice messages. Teachers and learners can use Vocaroo in different activities, such as podcasting, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and giving feedback. Recordings can be downloaded, sent, or even scanned with a QR code reader.
Here’s a rough tutorial I made for how to record and share an audio file using Vocaroo. No one can judge me harder for this than my students did when I played it for them, but it worked – a handful of students used this tool to demonstrate knowledge whenever I offered it as an option.
This tech-based teacher tool is a must-have for differentiation.
Maybe it’s my love of Wheel of Fortune that sold me on this tool, but regardless of the reason, Wheel of Names is a free and easy-to-use website you can use to pick a random name (or item) from a list.
Simply enter names, and spin the wheel to pick a random winner. You can customize the look and feel, and save and share your wheels with others.
Learners young and old enjoy the sense of competition and excitement that accompanies every round of Kahoot! I used this tool as a review activity, which usually looked like 8 – 10 questions at the end of class on Friday.
Fellow science teachers, here is my teacher page. Feel free to reuse or repurpose any of my stuff. Let me know if you do and how it goes!
I also created a Kahoot! that covers some community and school history. My idea is to play it at a community-based event or school assembly, but I’m not there yet. If you’re interested in Bay Brook Elementary Middle School #124 or the Brooklyn, Curtis Bay, or Masonville Cove neighborhoods of Baltimore City, here’s what I have so far. I’d love your input
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but I’m back, baby. I’m back.
In my last post, I shared three of my 2018 goals. Two of the goals were personal ones, and I have to admit, all three were ambitious. A lot’s happened since that post, and it’s essential for me to fill in the details before posting about my current projects.
I don’t know why it’s important for me to do this, it just is. OK?
OK!
In this post, I’ll share my progress toward my 2018 goals, including lots of photos and a few projects I’ve done along the way. I’ll outline some current projects I’m working on before looking into the crystal ball for a glimpse into the months ahead.
2018 GOALS: AN UPDATE
Goal 1: Get married on May 5, 2018
I’m thrilled to say that this goal has successfully been completed! After 15 years, we finally tied the knot. Literally.
I’m glad we have this photo because the knot went missing soon after it was taken! It’s fine with me though because I’M MARRIED!
I’ll detail the DIY wedding projects I completed in the Maker Space section of the website, but for now, here’s a visual overview.
Dinosaur Placecard Holders
Tags for Wedding Favors
Dinosaur Glitter Veil
In this post, I outlined my process for designing our Save The Dates (STDs), and the design process for our invites is covered here.
Goal 2: Design, Develop and Deliver 8 tutorials by 12/31/2018
My progress toward this goal is nonexistent. I’ve got bits and pieces of a few tutorials recorded, but I need to sit down and go through what I have, what I need, and what I want to do.
Then I need to put the pieces together. This may be a goal I need to revise, but I’ll keep it as is for now. Stay tuned!
Goal 3: Graduate from IDT Master’s Program on May 1, 2018
Check! Dishes are done, man.
CURRENT PROJECTS
I’ve got more projects in the works than ever before! To keep it simple I’ll just cover the three projects I worked on most recently.
Project #1: Updating my Resume
I’m determined to find regular part-time employment by the end of June, so this should beis my #1 priority. I swear it is.
I did, however, spend most of my time today on Project #2.
Project #2: Poe Pencil Pack
I’m just about ready to launch a marketing strategy to sell Edgar Allan Poe themed pencils. The story behind these pencils is long and worthy of its own post, which is forthcoming.
If you just can’t wait, I included a short version in the Etsy listing for this item, which went live today – yay!
The last project I’ll mention is similar to the Poe Pack (Project #2), but I’m taking an entirely different approach to the marketing strategy. I’m excited to see which strategy works best!
Project #3: Pride Pencil Pack
Again, the story behind this project is better suited for a standalone post, which I’ll publish in the next week or so. In the meantime, I included what I believe to be some interesting information in the Etsy listing for this item.
I think I’m at the end of my pencil phase, but who knows, maybe the demand for these pencil packs will motivate me to keep going. I’ll definitely try to work some of these concepts out in future blog posts and newsletters, and I’d love any feedback you might have!
2018 PART DEUX: CRYSTAL BALLIN’ IT
Honestly, I have no idea what the future holds, and I think it’s probably better this way.
Here’s what I do know: I’ll be polishing up my resume and interviewing for part-time jobs shortly. I’ve put it off for too long, and it’s going to be great, right?!?
Right!
Other than that, I’ve got what feels like an infinite number of projects I want to move forward this summer. I’ll cover three of ’em and call it a post.
Future Project #1: Miniatures
If You Build It, They Will Come.
Wait, whaaattt?!? Who will come? What does that even mean? I’m really not sure, but wouldn’t it be cool if dolls really did come to life when humans were sleeping?
You’re right. Maybe it wouldn’t be that cool. I could go deep on this one, but I’ll cut myself off here.
ANYWAY…
I want to get back to making miniatures. I have so many mini projects that are almost finished. I think I could wrap most of them up if I make a plan and stick to it. Then I could get to work on some of my other 2018 goals, which I’m not going to go into here, but let’s just say that I want to construct several detailed dioramas.
I’m super excited about one concept in particular, which I call Unsolved Mini Mysteries. If you can imagine Robert Stack as a popsicle stick, I encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter to stay abreast of this project.
Future Project #2: Reading and Writing, hold the Arithmetic
I’ve been an avid reader since I learned to read as a kiddo. Now that I’m done with school, it’s time to tackle my ‘Reading’ pile that’s been growing steadily over the past few years.
During my coursework, I spent a great deal of time writing discussion posts, research papers and design plans. Now that I have more time and headspace, I hope to devote some of it to writing.
Not sure what this will look like, but blogging is my way of getting the party started. Thanks for following along!
Future Project #3: Travel and Adventure with Extra Productivity, please. Oh, and a side of Love, please. No tomato. Thanks for asking.
I find inspiration everywhere, especially when I travel. I’m excited about what’s on the calendar for the next few months and I can’t wait to learn all the new things I don’t even know I don’t know.
Next week I’m going to visit my mom in Kokomo, Indiana. She’s going to help me make some table runners to sell in my Etsy shop. I’m going to help her paint her master bedroom.
Offwhite. Sherwin Williams. She had a coupon and got a great deal. That’s my Mom and I expect nothing less! Also, I just need to share this, since it’s the best photo I’ve ever seen of my Mom (and I look OK too!):
Isn’t she so pretty? (I’m referring to the braid) (just kidding) (kind of)
In July Lyn and I are taking our first trip as a married couple! We’re heading to Chicago for a long weekend and I’m already exhausted from the weekend. To say I’m excited is an understatement. More on that later!
I may or may not join Lyn when she travels to London for work in September. I hope I do though – I’m in a bit of a History-of-England’s-Monarchy phase, so I’d love to see some historical artifacts with my own peepers.
UPDATE COMPLETE!
Phew, I feel so much better! Now that you know everything I’ve been up to these past few months, I want to hear from you! What have you been doing?
I’d really love to hear from you! Reach out directly or leave a comment.
CLOSING COMMITMENT TO THE VIRTUAL WORLD (THINK BATTLESTAR GALACTICA)
I know you hear me, understand what I’m saying (for the most part), and if you’ve made it this far, you get me, virtual world. I get you too. And there’s something you need to read/know/compute/scan/analyze/understand:
I LOVE YOU!
I’m happy to teach you what I know about being a human, but no promises on the quality of my lessons.
So today I’m making a commitment to blog more frequently. If you have any, hold on to your butts! I have a feeling this is going to get real weird, real quick. SO EXCITED!
Humans and Inhumans alike (including Cylons, of course), as long as you have an email address, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter – it’s going to be pretty darn good!
I’m really proud of the title of this post, by the way. For anyone that caught the Twin Peaks reference, that’s +10 points!
Enough Procrastinating – Let’s Talk About Goals
I’ve had a bit of writer’s block lately, and I’m thinking it might be because I don’t want to write about my failure. But I really am ok with it, because I don’t view it as a failure. I achieved a lot last year, much of which cannot be counted.
In a previous post, I shared one of my 2017 goals (to generate $25,000 through self-employment by 12/31/2017) and the corresponding action plan I came up with to achieve my goal.
This post is an example of a positive reframe. I’ll share how my goals evolved over the course of 2017 and how I approached the planning process for 2018. It’s already been a more successful year!
Goal Tracking: Identify Failure Early and Redirect
I knew as soon as I set my goal that I wasn’t going to achieve it. I know, I know, that mindset doomed me. Which is exactly why I spent a good part of 2017 digging deep and doing the work needed to shift to a more positive mindset.
All that hard work on myself is paying off. I have to look at 2017 as a success, and this is how I got myself there.
When I knew for sure that I wasn’t going to reach my goal, I redirected and reworked a lot of my action items.
I did a ton of skill building. I learned, learned, and learned some more. I dabbled as a contractor. I traveled. I spent my days with my dogs, Emmett and Molly. I planned a wedding.
I started a blog. Then I scrapped that and started this blog. Then this blog turned into part of a larger website.
Finally, I gave myself some time and space to work on my 2018 goals. I’m so glad I did because they’re good. I’m not familiar with this feeling, but I think they might actually make me, happy?
Start with Achievable Goals
Going into 2018, I had a few life events on the calendar. Specifically, I’m getting married and completing my Master’s program. Both events happen in May, so it’s a big month for me!
I decided to start there since I knew they’ll happen unless I really mess things up (or something really awful happens):
Goal 1: Get married on May 5, 2018
There are a lot of subtasks for this goal. Waaaayyy too many. Weddings are kind of a racket.
Anyway, one subtask was to create a way for guests to RSVP for a few touristy events I put together.
So, I tied that to another goal:
Goal 2: Design, Develop and Deliver 8 tutorials by 12/31/2018
And came up with this tutorial:
BTW, the phrase design, develop and deliver is a super formal instructional-designy way of saying record and upload to YouTube.
It’s far from perfect, but it’s my best one yet. I’m trying to improve my tutorial skills so I can put together a few strong miniature-making ones later in the year.
The tutorial goal indirectly ties into my other achievable goal:
Goal 3: Graduate from IDT Master’s Program on May 1, 2018
I want to be sure I use what I’ve learned in my coursework, and designing tutorials is one way I plan to do that. I want to learn and grow so I can create content that people enjoy!
It’s a lofty vision, but I’m slowly working toward it.
2018 One-Word Theme: Collaboration
Yep, collaboration is my word of the year. I’d really like to unpack this a little more, but I’ve put off publishing this post for too long, so I’m going to end it here.
But, Let’s Collaborate!
If you’re interested in learning about themed goals, please let me know. I’m obsessed and would love to share what I’ve learned about them.
I’m happy to share my complete set of goals with you if you’re interested! I can use the accountability because I’m already a little behind (but in a really really good way).
Most importantly, I want to hear your goals!
What is one of your 2018 goals? I’d love to hear them! Reach out directly or leave a comment – that way, we can hold each other accountable!
Before I fully commit to 2018, there are a few things that came out of the 2017 holiday season that can only be described as just plain delightful!
In this post, I’m sharing five things that I found to be surprisingly inspirational this past month.
MUST-SEE Saturday Night Live Skit, Welcome to Hell
Trashin’ Through the Snow
Both the phrase and this sweatshirt, which is the newest addition to my holiday wardrobe.
The sweatshirt was a fundraiser to support the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, the geniuses behind the Trash Wheel Family.
I’ll detail my love for both Mr. and Professor Trashwheel in a separate post, but for now, here’s a short intro if you’re interested.
Lego Advent Calendars
I’ve mentioned Heidi from Casa Pena Designs in the past, but we’re going to be working together more strategically in 2018. While I was at her office working on some shared 2018 goals, I noticed that her son had some holiday-themed legos, and upon further inspection, it turned out to be an advent calendar! Christmas & Star Wars Themes
I’m getting one of these for myself next year, as well as all the kiddos in my life!
Puppies Crash Christmas on Hulu
It’s hard to explain, but if you’ve ever seen the Puppy Bowl, it’s along those lines, but without the kitten halftime show.
Ability to link Amazon and Hiltons Honors
I used to travel a lot for work, so I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from free reward programs. It takes some time to accumulate points, but eventually, I find something to use my points on.
I’m not how I found this, but Amazon has an option to link to a Hilton Honors account so that you can use points to purchase items. I did, and my 3,000 points are worth around $6.
Perhaps it’s less than life-changing, but I thought it was notable!
It’s a long story, so I’ll just share the short version: at some point in 2016, I reached a breaking point. There were a few critical factors, but first and foremost, my job was sucking the life out of me. Literally.
Physically, I was sick all the time, usually by way of blinding migraines. Mentally, what started as small memory lapses, like paying the cable bill, became big issues, like when I bought a ticket for a Halloween party/fundraiser and showed up on the wrong night.
The party was supposed to be the debut night of my new wig, but I blew it. I’m sorry, wig. You deserve better.
After some intense self-reflection, and with the help of a professional, I concluded that I was the only thing holding me back from quitting a job that was turning me into a person I didn’t like very much.
So on my birthday in late October, I gave myself a gift: I quit my job without anything else lined up.
Ok, I turned in my resignation and hoped no one yelled at me. In the end, I worked through mid-December, then I went on a cruise with my mom. It’s another long story, but it was just what I needed to decompress and get in the right mindset to start 2017 with a blank slate.
After rewatching the entire Battlestar Galactica series, I started 2017 by drafting an action plan to ensure I didn’t blow through a whole multi-seasoned Sci-Fi series in less than a month again. Or, at least until I had generated some income.
I drafted my action plan as a blog post, and to be honest, I’m not sure why I didn’t just post it in January. But, that’s the old me. Perhaps it was fear, or what I now recognize as my inability to finish things, but whatever the case, I’m not going to hold myself back anymore – let’s do this thing!
In this post, I’m going to share my initial action plan. I’ll report my progress in late November (or early December), and I’ll let you know how I did in January, only a few short months away.
The Remarkable Power of Setting Goals
It was only in the last few years that I learned how powerful the goal setting process can be. I want to share my process in case it might be helpful, and so I can provide updates to be held accountable.
Step 1: The Goal
Write down what it is you would like to do, accomplish or achieve.
I’d like to be able to earn an income without working for anyone else. Using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) method, I came up with the following goal:
Goal: Earn $25,000 through self-employment by 12/31/2017
Step 2: Pathways
Next, come up with 3 – 5 “big picture” things to do that will move you closer to your goal. They can be pretty general for now, but it’s vital that they are realistic.
I came up with five ways to generate income for myself.
Contract Work: I have a lot of marketable skills, I just need to figure out what they are and what I want to do. With a little bit of thought and hard work, this can be a good source of income for me.
Blog: I’ve blogged professionally using WordPress in the past, so I know this is something I can do. My research around how to earn income from a blog indicates that this can be a long-term revenue generating strategy, so I want to get it started as soon as possible.
Writing: I need to write articles on a regular basis to produce enough content to get noticed. I also want to contribute guest posts to as many blogs and websites as possible.
Course Development: I’ve done this professionally in the past, so I know I can do it. I’m currently in a Master’s program for Instructional Design and Technology, so this is something that I should be doing anyway. This wouldn’t normally have made the list, but I came across an article mentioning this as a hot new trend for generating income.
Grants: Since I’m still in school, I should just look and see if there’s any ‘free’ money out there where I might be a good candidate.
Step 3: Action Items
Now that you have determined where you want to go (the goal) and the routes you can take to get there (the pathways), it’s time to figure out how to get moving.
For each general pathway, come up with at least three action items that you can take to move you forward. Some pathways require a lot more work than others, so I hesitate to put a limit on the number of action items. If the list becomes too overwhelming, which mine often does, it’s time to stop.
I came up with several action items for the first few pathways. I had to stop because I was, in fact, getting overwhelmed and stressed out.
Contract Work
Update Resume: The last time I updated my resume was about three years ago. The process will remind me what I’ve accomplished in the past and will help me figure out what my marketable skills are. I also want to have this updated in case a potential client asks for it.
Update LinkedIn: My resume and LinkedIn profile are pretty much in the same sad state. I think I might even still have my former organization as my current employer. I’m not going to add this as a sub-bullet here, but I need to learn how and why to use LinkedIn. I find it to be incredibly intimidating, but I’m not sure why.
Any tips?
Create Portfolio: Again, I’m intimidated by the sound of this task, but I know it’s something I need to do. I have a folder with a bunch of my work printed out, but so far, it hasn’t gotten me any work (lousy folder!) I just need to figure out what I want to showcase and how I want to represent myself. I’m hoping this will be easier once I update my resume.
This is where I lost steam. I’ll fill in more of the details in my late November/early December post!
Develop Scope of Services Research Pricing
Blog
Build WordPress Site Write at least one post per week for myself Register as an affiliate
Writing
Submit an article/infographic to elearning site Write at least four posts for Casa Pena Designs Write at least five articles/posts to various sites for $ ebook
Course Development
Research process for receiving payment for course Determine Content: Adult Learning Principles Design Course Create Storyboard Develop Course
Grants
That’s it! As I mentioned, I’ll report my progress in late November/early December and will follow up in January to let you know how it worked out.
In the meantime, if you have any goals I can help with, we should talk – two birds, you know what I mean?!?
Both the phrase and this sweatshirt, which is the newest addition to my holiday wardrobe.
Physically, I was sick all the time, usually by way of blinding migraines. Mentally, what started as small memory lapses, like paying the cable bill, became big issues, like when I bought a ticket for a Halloween party/fundraiser and showed up on the wrong night.
The Remarkable Power of Setting Goals