Last September I blogged about the Khan Academy, an amazing web resource for students, consisting of hundreds of teaching videos for subjects including algebra, geometry, physics, basic math, biology, chemistry, finance, etc. They were featured on 60 Minutes and other media because of the remarkable quality of the teaching and the consistently excellent results experienced by students who use them -- and the fact that the site's founder, Salman Khan -- did all this for free. Khan Academy started out as Sal making a few algebra videos for his cousins and has grown to over 2,100 videos and 100 self-paced exercises and assessments. It's remarkable.
Once again, I strongly urge you and your middle school and high school students to check out Khan Academy and try one of the short videos. I found myself fascinated by one of the lessons on geometry -- a course I never took in high school.
I'm told that some RHS teachers are suggesting that kids explore the Khan Academy offerings as additional homework help or to delve deeper into concepts. High school kids seem to like the short lessons, and there's just something "right" about the way the teacher presents and explains the material. The district website now has a link to Khan Academy on the Curriculum & Instruction page, under "Internet Resources for Parents, Teachers & Students.". Click here.
Showing posts with label science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label science. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
RHS student scientists.
I’m back! Actually, I wasn’t really gone, at least not physically. But I was seriously underwater on way too many projects for my clients. As a long-time freelancer, I learned long ago that there is really no such thing as saying “no” to one’s clients. In this competitive marketplace and slow economy, I can’t afford to lose any work, so…when it rains it pours and all I can do is hang on and focus. This week, I'm done with a couple of projects, soI can breathe a bit more. I’ve got some catching up to do on blog posts.
First up: science! At last week’s Board of Ed meeting, we heard about an amazing program happening at the high school. Last year, students working in partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology under a grant from the National Science Foundation created solar cells using the juice from blueberries and the powder from powdered donuts. They showed the working solar cells at Super Science Saturday last March. This year, approximately 50 students in several teams are creating a water splitter. The naturally-created solar cells will power the water splitter, which will create hydrogen gas (the cleanest form of energy in existence).
This is real science, people. I love that this project is so popular at RHS, with all 50 students participating after school and during lunch – on their own time. What a great project and a testament to the RHS teachers who are inspiring them. Can’t wait to see this new project (creating hydrogen energy, really) on display at this year’s Super Science Saturday on March 12. (More info click here.)
First up: science! At last week’s Board of Ed meeting, we heard about an amazing program happening at the high school. Last year, students working in partnership with Stevens Institute of Technology under a grant from the National Science Foundation created solar cells using the juice from blueberries and the powder from powdered donuts. They showed the working solar cells at Super Science Saturday last March. This year, approximately 50 students in several teams are creating a water splitter. The naturally-created solar cells will power the water splitter, which will create hydrogen gas (the cleanest form of energy in existence).
This is real science, people. I love that this project is so popular at RHS, with all 50 students participating after school and during lunch – on their own time. What a great project and a testament to the RHS teachers who are inspiring them. Can’t wait to see this new project (creating hydrogen energy, really) on display at this year’s Super Science Saturday on March 12. (More info click here.)
Friday, November 19, 2010
The science of...science.
District Science Panel Presentation
Tuesday, November 30
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, 3rd floor
The Ridgewood Public Schools Curriculum Communication Committee is hosting a panel presentation on science on November 30. Parents and guardians are invited to come hear what scientists from our community have to say about:
-- What students need to learn about science by the time they graduate from high school
-- How schools can promote interest and excellence in scientific learning
-- What knowledge, skills and attitudes students will need over the next 20 years to be scientists and/or scientifically literate leaders in their chosen fields.
The list of participating scientists will be available shortly and I'll post that info here when I have it.
Why is the District doing this now? It's part of our rotating curriculum review process. In 2010-11, Science and Social/Emotional/Guidance are in the "Program Review" stage, which is followed in 2011-12 by Curriculum Writing. You can download and review the entire Curriculum Review Plan by clicking here.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this presentation, as I'll be at my son's RHS Soccer Banquet. But I'll be so interested to read the report and hear from parents who attend. Let me know what you think!
Tuesday, November 30
7:30 - 9 p.m.
Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, 3rd floor
The Ridgewood Public Schools Curriculum Communication Committee is hosting a panel presentation on science on November 30. Parents and guardians are invited to come hear what scientists from our community have to say about:
-- What students need to learn about science by the time they graduate from high school
-- How schools can promote interest and excellence in scientific learning
-- What knowledge, skills and attitudes students will need over the next 20 years to be scientists and/or scientifically literate leaders in their chosen fields.
The list of participating scientists will be available shortly and I'll post that info here when I have it.
Why is the District doing this now? It's part of our rotating curriculum review process. In 2010-11, Science and Social/Emotional/Guidance are in the "Program Review" stage, which is followed in 2011-12 by Curriculum Writing. You can download and review the entire Curriculum Review Plan by clicking here.
Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this presentation, as I'll be at my son's RHS Soccer Banquet. But I'll be so interested to read the report and hear from parents who attend. Let me know what you think!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Super Science Saturday is tomorrow at RHS: Check out this unique Ridgewood event!
Edited from The Ridgewood News:
For the 22nd year, Super Science Saturday will fill Ridgewood High School (RHS) with a dazzling array of scientific exhibits, shows and presentations. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday (tomorrow!). Everyone, all ages, is invited.
This year's event, will feature about 200 students, some as young as kindergarten age, and about 40 adult presenters, from professional scientists to college students.
Each year the science event features a special show by the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. This year, beginning at 9:30 a.m., the institute will stage a presentation on the human body.
Among the highlights of the day-long showcase will be the Ridgewood Fire Department's demonstration of thermal imaging cameras, during which kids can enter a darkened classroom and use thermal night scopes to simulate what it is like to be a firefighter in a rescue mission. About 40 RHS students will present cyber robots they built, and other RHS students will showcase their findings on nanotechnology and solar cells by demonstrating how energy and electricity can be culled from blueberry juice.
Representatives from Whole Foods Market will discuss health and wellness, and The Valley Hospital, a sponsor of the event with the Ridgewood Education Foundation, will be touting its youth fitness center. A 4H Club will bring its petting zoo, complete with chicken eggs, which, Flicker said, have often hatched in the midst of Super Science Saturday.
A paper airplane contest will take place, and model rockets will be launched from the football field at 1:20 p.m. In addition, attendees can make their own Flubber, and a new event will offer dissections for children who receive parental approval and sign up.
See you there!
For the 22nd year, Super Science Saturday will fill Ridgewood High School (RHS) with a dazzling array of scientific exhibits, shows and presentations. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday (tomorrow!). Everyone, all ages, is invited.
This year's event, will feature about 200 students, some as young as kindergarten age, and about 40 adult presenters, from professional scientists to college students.
Each year the science event features a special show by the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia. This year, beginning at 9:30 a.m., the institute will stage a presentation on the human body.
Among the highlights of the day-long showcase will be the Ridgewood Fire Department's demonstration of thermal imaging cameras, during which kids can enter a darkened classroom and use thermal night scopes to simulate what it is like to be a firefighter in a rescue mission. About 40 RHS students will present cyber robots they built, and other RHS students will showcase their findings on nanotechnology and solar cells by demonstrating how energy and electricity can be culled from blueberry juice.
Representatives from Whole Foods Market will discuss health and wellness, and The Valley Hospital, a sponsor of the event with the Ridgewood Education Foundation, will be touting its youth fitness center. A 4H Club will bring its petting zoo, complete with chicken eggs, which, Flicker said, have often hatched in the midst of Super Science Saturday.
A paper airplane contest will take place, and model rockets will be launched from the football field at 1:20 p.m. In addition, attendees can make their own Flubber, and a new event will offer dissections for children who receive parental approval and sign up.
See you there!
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