Steve Spangler's 2010 Hands-On Science Boot Camp for Teachers

Steve Spangler Science is a great resource for teachers and parents.  A variety of informative activities and interesting materials are available through their website, and by purchase.  Now, Steve Spangler Science is offering a hands-on boot camp to paid registrants at several sites across the country, where they will teach you their secrets and provide you a whole new perspective on teaching science.  Registration costs $189 per person.

ACS ChemClub for High School Students

The American Chemical Society (ACS) encourages high school students across the country to form a ChemClub.  The goal of ChemClub is to provide opportunities and encourage students to experience chemistry beyond the classroom, get involved in community building, and learn about careers in chemistry.  Each ChemClub can have its own unique identity and focus.

National Chemistry Week Poster Contest for K-12

Each year, the American Chemical Society (ACS) sponsors a national poster contest for K-12 students.  This year, the theme is "Behind the Scenes with Chemistry".  This competition is a great way to encourage student to learn more about chemistry in everyday life.  The ACS also encourages using this event to set-up your own poster competitions in your community; the deadline for submissions to the national competition is Friday, October 19, 2010. National Chemistry Week is October 17-23, 2010.

Cabbage Juice Indicator

Prepare your own indicator and pH paper at home from red cabbage.  Test various liquids at home to see if they are an acid or a base.  Cabbage contains a chemical compound that naturally changes color when subjected to acidic and basic solutions.  Download the instructions for this activity here.  This activity was designed by one of our DISCUS student volunteers, Amanda Beckwith.  It is ideal for students in middle school.

Competition for Best Lesson Plan, $200 for 1st Place

Each year DISCUS will survey published lesson plans and award cash prizes to the authors of the best lessons.  The first place lesson will receive $200.  Second and third place prizes will also be awarded.  Build and submit your best lesson plan idea now for a chance to win!  More details coming soon.

Creatively Meeting the Challenge

We are two weeks into the new school year and no matter how long we have taught or how well we have planned in the past, we contiually have to change what we are doing to meet the new district and state standards. The student population is ever-changing and what worked for 1st period today may not work for 4th. We have become masters of predicting outcomes and sensing trouble on the way. The vision I have for my blog is to help you solve problems and actively lend support to teaching science. I hope to console you when your day hasn't been the best and inspire you with an idea or topic that has worked for me in the past. Despite the fact we are often tucked away in our own classrooms by ourselves, we are all in this together.

Extra Credit for Students at the Fair

Teachers:  Assign your students extra credit!  Have them come by our booth at the Texas State Fair and fill out a worksheet about what they learn.  Worksheets, available at the booth, are tailored to different grade levels and are stamped/signed to ensure validity.