From June 15th thru 20th I had the privilege to participate in the Mickelson Exxonmobil Teacher Academy. I worked with an extraordinary group of teachers who strive to learn more, to better serve their communities. The academy was held at the Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas. I had planned to enter a daily log from the location. but, $5 per 10 minute internet charges kept me from doing so. I will say that the academy, and resort staff did an incredible job, taking care of what we needed. If you have any comments, questions, or reflections of your own please drop me a line. This is a very short synopsis of what we covered.
Sunday
Arrived at the resort, had a reception and dinner to kickoff the Academy. I had an opportunity to network with 200 teachers from over 15 districts, mostly from Texas. I was in the “Green” group.
Monday
In the morning we started out with what was labeled the “egg drop”, consisting of a pizza pan, toilet paper roll, egg, broom, and a glass of water. Using the broom, we were able to knock the pizza pan and tp roll from under the egg and the egg landed in the glass of water. Other experiments dealing with Newtons 3 laws were done.
Tuesday
We worked on data analysis “what is typical”, graphing the results of a survey that was taken by the class. We discussed notebooking and how effective it can be particularly when the notebook is passed from one grade to the next. We covered some more math, which I started out dreading but I have developed a better appreciation for this week. Also worked on experiments using ball whackers, straw wars (using straws, ping pong balls, and your breath).
Wednesday
Lets not forget the film canisters filled with water and alka seltzer, very fun and educational indeed. We also developed a better understanding of doubling and how it will affect the area and volume. During our break (early) several of us went to the Houston Museum of Science and Nature at the Mall, it was a very rewarding trip.
Thursday
Worked with pendulums, showing mass and motion. I felt I learned some perspective that my students have. Yikes, origami, made some origami boxes predicted the number of lima beans that would be required to fill the different sizes of boxes, then filled them with an actual count. Learned a lot about estimation, prediction and doubling. Thursday night, an awesome dinner and closing remarks from the Academy, Exxonmobil and Phil Mikelson.
Friday
Learned some more about assessments. Demonstration, structured inquiry, guided inquiry, and student initiated inquiry.
If you are ever able to participate with the Exxonmobil teacher academy be sure to give an resounding YES. It will be well worth the time and you will benefit tremendously.
If you have any questions, comments, or reflections, please leave a comment for others to see.
2 comments:
Wade, you summed up the week quite nicely. It was nice meeting you at the Academy. Thanks for sharing your blogspot with me and others. I will add it to my favorites. Michele (from Houston ISD)
Thank You,
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