Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Minnesota Science Teachers Association Convention




So, this past weekend was the MnSTA convention at the Mayo Civic Center. I truly enjoyed the convention, especially with my middle school specialty being science, and even avoided not getting towed away because I mixed-up Friday morning with Saturday morning- thanks to Katie B.!

I spent my time at the following workshops:

Lego Robotics.
My only regret was that I didn’t get a photograph of me kissing the robot I was working with! This was, by far, the highlight of the convention for me.



Incorporating science curriculum in the classroom with help from NSTA


Integrating concept of nanotechnology in the classroom
This workshop was targeted toward high school teachers, but I attended anyways. I was interested in how to integrate nanotechnology in the primary/middle school classroom. The speaker told me to contact her on ways to do this since it was not mentioned in the workshop.


Ocean currents and their role in our climate


Fieldtrip
Of the various fieldtrips throughout the region to choose from, I chose the wind farms near Leroy, MN. I rode along, luckily on a coach bus, with Sara and Katie B. It was very cold on Saturday in the middle of these barren fields, but was interesting none the less. Anyone have 2.5 million dollars to purchase and set-up a single wind turbine?



-Kelly James Schrandt

Monday, March 23, 2009

Opportunity For Those Interested in More About Kindergarten

An event is open to the public April 24-25, 2009 at the Mayo Civic Center.

"Travel The World of Kindergarten" will be an opportunity that costs $125 per person to attend.

Friday, April 24: 5:30-9:00
Includes entertainer Glen Everhart (www.gleneverhart.com)

Saturday, April 25: 7:00-3:30
Includes a national presenter Kimberly Jordano (www.kinderbykim.com) who will provide fun math/science ideas for Kindergarten teachers. Also, lunch is provided. Lastly, breakout sessions will be from 12:45-3:30 and provide opportunities to see presentations such as Smartboards, S.M.A.R.T-for improving attention behavior and learning, and Big Book Bananza.

You must register early to reserve a seat: Deadline-April 1, 2009

Make $125 checks payable to: 2009 MKA Spring Conference
Mail to: Jenny Larson, Conference Chair
Pine Island Elementary School
223 1st Ave SE
Pine Island, MN 55963

(507)-375-8581

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Meeting Minutes

Thursday, March 19, 2009
8:30 pm University center Rochester EA103

Agenda
  • I. Call to Order

  • II. Business
    • a. Old Business
      • 1. Responsive Classroom Workshop (Saturday, April 18)
        • a. Preparation
          • Volunteers for set up at 7:30 am Heintz Center
          • Volunteers for clean up following event
        • b. Food Donations

      • 2. General Funds
        • a. Target/Wal-Mart gift cards
      • 3. Volunteer Opportunities
        • a. Mayo Clinic Children's Hospital
        • b. Scholastic Book Orders

      • 4. Education Summit
        • options:
          • (1) WSU Volunteer Booth
          • (2) STEM home activities
          • (3) Boys/Girls Club

      • 5. Eagle Bluff (aim date=early September, 2009)
        • meet and greet??

      • 6. Bulletin Board

      • 7. Website
        • Blog: http://wsured.blogspot.com

    • b. New Business

    • c. Review of tasks for next meeting

    • d. Next meeting: April 2, 2009 (8:30 University Center Rochester)

  • III. Additional Concerns
  • IV: Announcements
  • V: Adjournment