Welcome to Health/Science Extension!

Another wonderful year has started off well. This year I will see all of my students all year, instead of twice as often for one semester or the other. That means I will only see most classes on the average once a week, so I am trying for a "no homework" policy. It just isn't reasonable to expect kids to remember to bring things back a week after they were assigned with no reminders in between.

In keeping with that, 6th grade has started their final "virtual project" for their unit on the Respiratory System. Instead of having Mom drive them to the craft store, hardware store, grocery store etc. to buy things to make a model Respiratory System, they are brain-storming in class what they would use (if they actually getting out the hot glue gun) and explaining those choices to me. As long as it makes sense and reflects a knowledge of structure and function, I'm good with their "shopping" choices. They will draw a picture of their virtual model. I'll admit that the idea of grading 300 projects that might have involved perishable food before it spoiled played a part, but I'm also trying to waste less and be less of an inconvenience to parents. The thinking part is the important part. The kids seem to really understand the concept. They all laughed when I said " .. and the good part is that next Sunday night you don't have to run downstairs and tell someone that you have to get to WalMart because you have a big project due in the morning, and your (mom, dad, grandma) will give a big sigh and have to haul you around and ask why you didn't do this earlier in the week." I think your kids are a lot like mine were at this age!

Fifth grade is busy teaching each other what they have learned about First Aid. We have researched what the experts recommend (via certain pre-selected web sites, books and other sources), so we're making posters for the nurse to use and will make presentations to the class to teach the rest of the class how to handle minor first aid emergencies. We talked about how the choices we make can help us not get into emergency situations in the first place.

My voicemail is still acting up, so if you need to reach me, please use email.

This website has a humorous video about not spreading germs when we cough or sneeze. Classes have really enjoyed it.

http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html