extreme kids connect

Check out our newest blog:

http://extremekidsconnect.blogspot.com/

Watch for student contributions coming this fall.

Addiction Fears

Well, now I understand why some people spend so much time on the Internet. In the past, I have used the Internet mainly to read email, and occasionally to find a good site for my students. Last night, I stayed up way later than was smart. I was busy looking for good blog sites, good RSS feeds, and then I got caught up reading many of those. It's fun!! Even more amazing, I jumped out of bed before the sun was up, and got right back on my computer. I checked email, found nothing. I checked my blog, and voilla! I had five comments! I checked my bloglines, and there were updates! Today, I am going to attempt to set up a new blogline (on my dashboard I think) that I will use to collect blogs for my students. This business really could get addictive!

Information Overload

Today I set up my first bloglines account. It took me hours to figure out what I was supposed to do, and then when I finally did, I think I overdid it. I selected several feeds from blogs that are discussing science education. Now, I just need the time to read the articles, and listen to the discussions. As I understand it, I will be notified every time one of these blogs is updated. Does that mean I don't need to go back and read all the previous postings? It's kind of the way I feel about scrapbooking. All of my children are grown, and the thousands of accumulated family photos are resting in 50 gallon plastic storage tubs. I can't fathom the time and effort involved in digging through those archives, so I have lately begun creating scrapbooks of current family events. In the case of these science blogs, I think I will familiarize myself with the basic tenets of each, and then just follow the most recent discussions.
Speaking of blogs, I've noticed several that may be interesting for our students. Soon I will post a list that they might want to check out. If any of you find interesting blogs, websites or podcasts that would be appropriate for middle school students or their parents, let me know.

Welcome

Welcome to my first blog. I will be attempting to use this site to communicate with students and parents. I will also invite your comments and questions to facilitate a closer and more rewarding working relationship. As this site develops, I hope to post homework assignments, links to interesting reading, and samples of excellent student work. I also plan to include weekly puzzles and will invite anyone interested to attempt to solve them. This is an evolving site, and I would welcome suggestions from experienced bloggers, and curious readers.