I Was Not In School, Today

Schools are closed in Galveston and Houston, Krysia evacuated to Houston and is staying with a friend. They are from Bangladesh. While I spent the last few nights worrying about my baby, she was playing dress-up in a sari. As of 6 p.m. Friday, she was safe and sound.

How was school?
Mrs. BB was in for me, today. Due to the rain, I made a last-minute change to Sectio 63. Instead of performing the percolation test, outside, they did the experiment on rock absorbency.

A neat slideshow of Galveston: http://www.galveston.com/slideshow_ike/frameset.html

Have a great weekend, folks.

Gone to Houston, but, Houston may be gone

The daughter fled Galveston Wednesday night, it is mandatory, today. She is in Houston. However, word has it parts of Houston now have mandatory evacuation. My baby will go home with a friend that lives in Sugarland, on the westside of Houston. Hopefully, she will be safe. Regardless, butterflies are in my stomach and my heart is aching. And, it appears, Mr. Miller's daugther, who lives and works in Sugarland is reporting the potential for danger with the coming hurricane. Please pray for the folks in Texas.

Not here, tomorrow
Mrs. BB is here, tomorrow. Section 62 and 64 are working on lab notebook 3, a rock absorbency project, section 63 is doing lab notebook 1 -- Percolation, and section 61 is working on lab notebook 4 -- Stream action on rocks. It was interesting to watch me set-up three different experiments to be used between 8 and 11 a.m.

Have a safe night, folks.

Switching to PANIC MODE!!

Hurricane Ike has turned and is now aiming at Galveston. The storm hit deep water and escaladed to a Category 2. Expected to be a tight-forming Category 3, tonight. All students on campus have been ordered to evacuate within the hour and not return until next week. My daughter called as she was leaving her class and heading back to the dorm. She has a bag packed and her roommate will drop her off in Houston. The roommate is going home to Dallas, six hours away. My kid is going to stay with a friend and her family and if need be, go with them if Houston is to be evacuated. Yesterday, I was downgraded to concerned daddy status. The level has now gone up to scared silly daddy. I have to wait another hour or so to hear if she made it to Houston okay. Although the storm is not slated to hit for another day or so, college officials are in precautionary status. This is from a school that did not even shut-down when Katrina hit.

On the Home Front
My cherubs organized their science notebooks, today. Those binders and agendas are to go home every night. Parents; if you take something out of your kid's binder, please replace it immediately. They are being graded for keeping the notebooks organized.

That's about it for me, right now. I am monitoring the hurricane and fielding calls from family that have heard about the change in Ike. Wish my kid well, folks.

I Got Wet

LOL. I needed to be in by 6 this morning to get ready for today's experiment. Needless to say, I got soaked. Afterall, it is so un-cool for a guy to sport an umbrella. Actually, my umbrella is somewhere in the garage and my car was parked in the driveway. Then, when I left about 3:45, it rained again, and, I got wet. If rain is good for growing gardens, lawns, etc., I oughtta have a great crop of hair, shortly.

Welcome Miss Porter
Did y'all say howdy to Nicole Porter? She's our sub for Mrs. Fry. Nice young lady, about my son's age -- did I just admit my age? Oops. Well, Miss Porter has a blog on her website. Click the link to see her blog. http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/510720829145125787/Blog/browse.asp?A=398&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=52585. I hope your kids like Miss Porter. She is a very friendly girl - ahem - woman.

Did You Link to Stormpulse.com?
I have been following Hurricane Ike and it looks like it will miss Galveston. Whew. worried daddywatch has been downgraded to daddyconcern.

Leah Writes for Sun-Gazette
My former student Leah wrote an article for the S-G in Monday's paper in the education section. Here is that link: http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/515314.html?nav=5005 I am so proud of her.

Gavin's Mom's Idea
I had problems with the tin can experiment. Gavin's mom suggested PVC pipe. So, I bought a five-foot section and Mr. Wheeland cut it down to six 10-inch long sections. Thanks, Mr. Wheeland.

Science Notebook
My students will be organizing their science notebooks, tomorrow. I have an index for the munchkins to follow. If I hand it out, it goes in the notebook. Parents, please ensure your kiddoes are keeping their notebooks up-to-date. Also, I make them record the objective and homework assignment, each day, in the agenda. Please make certain there is such an entry for every science class. They get a test grade for the agenda.

Have a great night, folks.

Sixth Graders are like Grown Men?

My headline refers to sixth graders refusing to ask for directions. They are in too much of a hurry to play with water and soil, without regards to measuring volumes. I'm going to play GPS and guide them tomorrow to their destination of finding the solution. Ask your kiddo how the porosity experiment went, today?

Back on Hurricane Watch
The daughter is in Hurricane Ike's sights. Needless to say, I will be worried about her safety and the hurricane is not due to make landfall in Texas until Saturday. Wanna see a great website for hurricanes? Click the link: http://www.stormpulse.com/

Have a great night, folks.

Porosity Experiment Begins

Sorry, I had no time to take photographs of my munchkins measuring sand, silt and gravel to determine the porosity of each material. Mr. Fausnaught, however, was in and took several snapshots. I think they are on his blog, today. http://mrfausnaught.blogspot.com/

The cherubs did choose their clubs, today, during BASE. Current plans are to implement clubtime on Fridays. It should be fun.

Sixth grade parents: Did y'all get my practice email? I made a mass-mailing account that only shows the students' names, but, not their email addresses. Send me an email, even if it is just to say, hello.

Have a great weekend, folks.

New BASE schedule

Poor Mrs. Beard had 36 kids in her pre-BASE SSR class. I opted to switch to the first lunch and take half her kids. To do that, I had to move 4 or 5 kids from my SSR to Mrs. Pulizzi's room. That way, I had lunch from 11:10 to 11:40, while the other sixth grade teachers continue with second lunch, from 11:25 to 11:55. So, I get half of Mrs. Beard's kids from 11:40 to 11:55 and then switch some kids around for my regular BASE class from 11:55 to 12:25.
If you think that is confusing, you should see our class rosters for BASE!

Change in plans
For several weeks I have been trying to find a way to cut-out both ends of tin cans for an experiment. Today's cans have a curved bottom that does not allow can openers to work. Must be a safety thing. Well, I give up. Despite buying hammers and 2x4s, I have to shelf this project. Instead, I am moving to the next lesson - porosity. It is Geology Lab Notebook 2 on my website.

Have a great night, folks.

Mining For Chips

Digging into the ground and environmental consequences makes for a tasty experiment as my sixth graders "mined" for chocolate chips in a chocolate chip cookie. After the experiment, they ate the left-over cookie. Can you believe what stores charge for 105 chocolate chip cookies? So much for my gasoline allowance for the week.

Have a good night, folks.

Naw, They Aren't Pooped

Hee hee, nasty Pappa Z. The cherubs spent science examining a sample of soil. After touching and sniffing it, I explained how cow manure changes to soil after the manure has dried and the odor-causing bacteria are killed off. So, I 'posed, "Did I give you soil or manure?"

It was a great lesson on how to conduct a viable science experiment.

By the way, only one kid asked to wash his hands after the experiment. Looks like we'll have to do the super virus experiment, next week.

Have a great night, folks.

Why I Removed My Sea Aggie Bumper Sticker

Okay, in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, I advised the daughter to leave TAMUG for Houston. She left at 11 p.m. yesterday. Stayed with a friend. Today, TAMUG, informed students, via website, tomorrow is a normal school day. Needless to say, she had to return, tonight. Her roommate lives in Dallas - a six hour drive. The roommate swung by Houston and picked up my daughter. What kind of ridiculous college, located 15-feet above sea level, would hold classes when a Category 4 storm is expected to hit nearby New Orleans by mid-Monday morning? Typical storm surges are 15 to 20-feet! Thank goodness she is on the second floor of her dorm. Her marine biology class, tomorrow, may really be a marine biology class with fishes and other sea critters swimming around her first-floor classroom.

I hope the daughter tires of this silliness and opts to return to the east coast to complete her Marine Biology degree.

Have a nice holiday, folks. I am still on worried daddy watch.

Gustav has me worried

With a possibility that Hurricane Gustav could grow to a Category 5 and has its sights on New Orleans and the Galveston area, I will be anxious this weekend over the safety of my little girl. I spoke with her on the phone few minutes ago. She is packed and ready to evacuate. A number of people have offered to take her to Houston. However, with a Category 5, Houston, too, is in potential dire straits. Needless to say, my weekend will be one wrought with worry.

Have a safe weekend, folks.

Day 3

Munchkins took their 4-sight tests, today. Three hours of testing and these cherubs took it all in stride. Good job, kids.

Well, this old man is ready for a nap.

Have a great night, folks.

Day 2 -- Tired and Stiff

Mr. Fausnaught was outside my door as I left at 3:15 today. I think it was out of curiosity that he came to see me leave so soon. The poor guy is used to seeing me in before 6:30 and out around 4:30 or 5. HEY! I'm just plain pooped. Not only am I tired, but, the muscles are sore and strained.

Sleep Well, My Cherubs
Tomorrow we test 4-sight math and reading. It will be from 8 to 11, and the rest of the day will follow our regular schedule. Munchkins will be in homerooms for the testing.

I see my recliner in the distance -- hello, old friend. Have a great night folks.

First Day -- I'm feelin' my age

I never realized how much I loved my job until I heard "Hey! Mr. Z!" from returning middle and high school students. It's nice to know, after a long summer break, they remember me. My new sixth graders have shown to be a nice group. I think we will have a great year.

Long Day
Okay, so what did me in? I left school at 3:30, ran some errands, went home and immediately took a 15-minute nap. I am just now waking-up. My son woke me with a surprise. He and the wifey purchased a hood bra for my Subaru Baja. I've been searching for a Baja for a couple of years and presented me with this gift for my diligence. So, here I am, only now getting caught-up with my blog.

Lockers, Agendas and Tours
After introductions, the day consisted of mastering locker combination, arranging agendas and touring the building. Whew! I am feeling my age. It's hard to believe I'm already 29 -- LOL.

Okay, the recliner is calling. Have a great night, folks.

Did Ya See, Leah?

Our own Leah appeared on national television, today. Yep, she fiddled her way into our lives by playing her rendition of the National Anthem, on the violin.

Scranton Boy Nearly Ruined It
I was in Middleburg, still reeling from the sudden loss of my brother-in-law, when I asked my family to tune in ABC. Leah was slated to play about 3:20, but, Joe Biden came on as a special report to say in an extremely long-winded way, "Yep, I'll run with Obama." My family laughed as I growled, mumbling they will probably pre-empt, Leah. Sure enough, eventually, Biden stopped talking and ABC ended their post-speech analysis. Finally, it was back to Little League. AND, there she was, on pitcher's mound, clad in some kind of sports-oriented tee-shirt and jeans. Just last month, Leah played her violin on the Great Wall of China, today, the world.

What a great kid. Thank you, Leah for including me in your fascinating summer and thanks for alerting me to today's game.

I fired-off a quick e-mail to Leah, telling her, I could not have been more proud of her as I would my own daughter. My sister's house erupted with me, screaming - "That's one of my kids!!!!"

See y'all on Tuesday.

Hey, There, Mousketeers!!!

I hope all my incoming cherubs are eager to start a new school year. I know I am ready. Not only did I meet a great bunch of kids during orientation, earlier this week, but, our "Meet the Teacher" turnout was terrific.

I do have to apologize, however. One of my brothers-in-law passed away over the past weekend in North Carolina, and the red tape to ship the body back here was horrendous. Anyhow, Thursday and Friday was a time for funeral and I was flip-flopping back and forth between here and Middleburg, in Snyder County. I did make it back for our meet the teacher night and I am pleased with the outcome.

Yesterday was bad as the family gathered, cried, moarned and hugged at the viewing, but, we also shared funny stories and events prompted by this departed family member. Yes, yesterday was long, but, today, was worse. Today, was a very long day that started about 5:30 this morning, and here I am at 9:30 at night finally loosening my tie, kicking off my shoes and journaling in this blog.

If you want a harrowing experience, be a part of a 14-car funeral procession from Selinsgrove to Williamsport at 2 p.m. on a Little League Week Friday!! Despite the fact we used warning flashers on our cars, other motorists disregarded that fact and broke our line, scooted in front of us, in our line, made illegal turns through our line and greeted us with shouts and obscene gestures -- only in Pennsylvania, home of the meanest critters in America.

I am planning to make-up some lost time on Sunday, by working on my classroom. Miss Porter, our substitute for the substitute for the substitute for Mrs. Fry, indicated she would like to come in also, on Sunday, to work on her room. Yeah, I know, dedicated. It's easy for her, she's my son's age. Us old geezers find it tough to make it through a Monday to Friday gig, much less, come on weekends.

Okay, let's wrap-it-up. My incoming kiddoes are really super. Their parents were so nice and some even smiled at my dumb jokes. I think it's gonna be a great year.

I will see YOU on Tuesday. Have a super weekend, folks.

Second day of orientation

Another group of new middle-schoolers came to the building, today. Looks like a nice group of sixth graders coming to our school, next week.

High School Orientation
The new ninth graders toured the high school, today. It was funny how they looked at my incoming sixth graders remarking how tiny, cute, or whatnot. It worked, until a couple of older high school kids came into the building and remarked about the incoming ninth graders as tiny, cute, and whatnot.

Still need a sub for the sub for the sub for Mrs. Fry
Poor Mr. Fausnaught is still searching.

Have a great night, folks.

Hi-Dee Ho!!! I'm baaaaccckkk!

SUMMER IS OVER!!!!!!!
Back to the grind. Orientation, today, with a really neat looking group of incoming sixth graders. They are oh-so polite and tiny.
Mr. Fausnaught, Mrs. Preisch, Miss Massetti, Mr Saville-Andre, and PTO President Mrs. Bogacyzk, gave a great presentation. Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Pulizzi, and I, stood on the side.

'Puters and Tables
Some good news. Mr. Gee connected all six of my new, old computers in my classroom, and my long awaited tables arrived and were "set-up" in my room upon my arrival, today.
It felt funny being back in the classroom. Mrs. Antonacci and Mrs. Pulizzi working in their classrooms as we ready for the first day of school, next Tuesday.
I am still waiting for the rest of my supplies, and my scissors disappeared from my room.

Mystery Teacher
We were 'posed to have Mr. Forney sub for Mrs. Fry, this year, but, he accepted a full-time teaching position at Curtin Middle School. The rat, but, he is a good teacher and I knew someone would snatch him from our clutches. Anyway, Mr. Fausnaught found a replacement for Mrs. Fry's replacement -- Mrs. Albaugh. Mrs. Albaugh was a long-term sixth grade sub 15 years ago. I have not worked with her, since. I was so excited to learn she was coming in for Mr. Forney. But, alas, I learned, this morning, Mrs. Albaugh has accepted a position, elsewhere -- go figure. Poor Mr. Fausnaught is now interviewing, again, for that one-year position. This guy has the patience of a saint. He took it all in stride as we greeted parents and students, this morning.

Thanks Ling-Ling and Ryan
It was a nice summer. I heard from these kiddoes over the summer and was privvy to be invited to view Ling-Ling's China visit blog. Her father took many pictures and posted them during their trip. I really enjoyed the daily blog.

Have a great night, folks.

On Summer Vacation til 2nd week of August

Get ready kiddoes. The 2008/2009 school year begins SOON!!!!!!

The Surprise Quiz Went Bust!!!

I gave the cherubs a surprise quiz, today, on the first section of the Space textbook -- A Trip Through the Universe. Despite the repeated action given to the three types of galaxies in the universe and the return of homework to fix errors, the munchkins royally bombed the one-question quiz.

Fear not! Tomorrow, they are getting a 10-question multiple-choice test on sections 1 and 2 of the chapter. These grades count! It will give me time to record the grades and print out progress reports for the office. The cherubs will have to wait until Friday to get their progress reports.

Chase Showed Initiative
Chase took it upon herself to interview adults in our building about voting. We are learning about the voting process in Social Studies. I was shocked to not only see her interviews, but, she also typed-out the questions she asked those adults. We are discussing the original Constitution that permitted only white men of property, 18-years or older, to vote. Today, we got as far as womens' suffrage, and tomorrow, the civil rights movement. I gotta couple 'o' kids that are proud to call themselves Americans and want to learn more about our voting process. I feel like that mini-shredded wheat biscuit wiping away a tear, proclaiming his pride in a young man that was able to show his teacher he was paying attention.

Have a great night folks.

I Love Our PTO Moms and Dads

It's National Teacher Recognition Week and our PTO has been busy, since, yesterday, setting-up a luscious lunch for the faculty, for today. I walked into the faculty room, this morning, and found an array of goodies ready for us.

I often brag about our PTO to teachers in other districts. Sometimes, I take for granted, how good I have it, here. This PTO comes in and prepares ice cream sundaes for our cherubs as a reward, they supply us with food and "stuffs" for field trips and offer to come into the classroom and help out. I will tell you, teachers in other districts envy me.

Here's a big, Pappa Z hug, to the Loyalsock Middle School PTO!!!!!!! Thanks for all that you do.

Half Day For Me, Tomorrow
The marine biology major daughter is coming home, tomorrow, for six-week working visit. She is doing an independent study of wetlands at the Muncy Canal archaeology dig site. I have to take a half-day personal day to get to State College in time for her proposed 1:40 p.m. arrival. My cherubs will watch a really cool video on the Unfolding Universe. It pretty much covers, in a fantastic graphics display, the textbook we are using in science.

Gideon versus Wainwright
In Social Studies, we will look at the 14th and 5th Amendments in regards to a supreme court case in which an uneducated man was convicted and imprisoned for a burglary. There are some parts of this textbook that are really neat. I love the court cases they pick to review.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Space, the final frontier

Well, we started our trip through the universe. The munchkins learned that light travels at 186,400 miles per second and that a light-year is the distance light travels in one year -- that's about 6 trillion miles. Whoa, boy. It will take us 83,000 years to reach Alpha Centauri, if we left, now.

Does Spelling Count?
On May 28, the sixth grade will be going on field trips. Three groups, three locations. We will converge on Riverfront Park at Canfield Island. Well, oops, we made a bit of a boo-boo on the permission slips. Those slips will be going home on May 23, and we inadvertantly called the park, Riverside, instead of Riverfront. And, because we are using so much paper, the sixth grade team has opted to simply let the mistake go through. We will instruct the kiddoes to cross out the misspelled word and write-in the correct spelling.

Have a great night, folks.

Cross-age Teachers Discuss Tobacco Use

Our high school cross-age teachers discussed tobacco use. They even brought out "Mr. Yuk", a mouth cancer facsimile. The jar of liquid tar from cigarettes was enough to turn your stomach. Then, we went outside to watch how cigarette smoke enters the lungs, using a 2-liter bottle as the lungs.

Have a good night, folks.

Okay, I'm Late, Again

Lee Lee sent me a message telling me I am late posting my blog. I know. It was just so nice, this afternoon, I decided to do some yard work. And, believe me, after not being able to walk for 8 years there is a lot of work to be done. So, I trimmed away creeping vines on my lilac bushes and junipers, I cut away biggie jagger bushes growing on a hill beneath my row of Pine trees, cut the lawn and replanted an azalea. Oh, and I had to add more string to the weed wacker. Whew! I feel like one of those gardners on the Home and Garden Network.

Back to school work
Flight durations went pretty well. I had a lot of kids that kept their planes in the air for five seconds, but, I had several notables, such as Brandon, whose plane stayed in the air for 8.16-seconds, and Ryland, who made it last for 7.15-seconds. By the way, 7th grade girls that were warming-up for gym class in the gymnasium, gave Ryland the aaaaahhhhs and ooooohhhhs.

Cross-age Tomorrow
Section 64 does not have science tomorrow, due to cross-age. Section 63 needs to launch planes for duration, and Sections 62 and 61 are gonna build the omni-wing paper airplane. It uses tape, but, boy does that puppy fly.

Whew! Better Hit The Shower
Worked up a sweat, in the yard. Shower and bedtime by 10 a.m. Don't expect to see me at school before 7 a.m. tomorrow. I am starting to show signs of overwork. 10-hour days being paid for only 8, is getting to me.

Have a great night, folks.

I Dig The Dirty Work

Hi guys: Sorry I did not blog on Friday -- I am burning-out. However! Renewed energy and enthusiasm, abounds, once MORE!!!!!

The Saturday archaeology dig at Muncy entered its second week. I took pictures, chatted with Bill Poulton, president of the Muncy Historical Society, and sifted lotsa, lotsa dirt, only to find one tiny chunk of coal. Ho-hum. But, it was a beautiful day and I was outside. I just wish I could've taken my dog, with me.

If you haven't seen it yet, ya gotsta go to my website and view the webpage I put together on the Muncy Canal project. http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497970223125916/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=52353

Well, tomorrow, my kiddoes are launching their paper airplanes for flight duration. Hope they tweeked and refined over the weekend. No gimmees on this project. What they earn is what they get in three throws, or less.

Have a good night, folks.

Throwing paper airplanes for distance

We will be in the front lobby periods 1,2, and 7, throwing paper airplanes a distance of 10-meters to earn an "A" on that project. The kiddoes are now well versed on the Bernoulli principle of wing design and Newton's Third Law of Motion dealing with action and reaction. For the past week, I have watched these cherubs design, build and test various types of paper airplanes. Each time, learning a bit more about flight, friction, drag, thrust, and, of course, gravity.

Have a great night folks.

Changes in Agenda

I had to change the agenda for the week. I cannot get in the gymnasium or cafeteria on Friday to launch duration paper airplanes. So, I will launch distance planes in the lobby on Friday and then use Monday to launch duration from the gymnasium balcony.

Have a great night, folks.

Bernoulli's Principle, Newtonian Laws, and Paper Airplanes

Gee, Mr. Z, making paper airplanes are so complicated. Using Bernoulli's Principle of flight - the faster the air moves the less pressure there is. And then, Newton's third law of motion that focuses on "the angle of attack". If that was not enough, Mr. Z, you talk about installing "elevators" on our planes. Why can't you just call them, flaps?

Went Diggin' In Da Doit.
Here is a link to photos I took at the archaeology dig at the Muncy Canal project. Click on the link. Downloading takes about three minutes. http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497970223125916/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=52353

Have a great night, folks.

It's rainin' helicopters!

I'm Late Posting, Today

I took photos of the kids launching paper helicopters but the camera battery died. It is still recharging. Pictures tomorrow, promise.

Have a good night, folks.

Thrust without Drag results in an airplane that gushes rather than flows

The kiddoes, today, discovered their Foamie Flyer airplanes are worthless without a rear stabilizer, either horizontal or vertical, or both. Their planes went the distance, but, if I were a passenger on the 6th grade airlines, I would be using the bag that comes with the plane's passenger seat. That project is due, tomorrow.

Gravity
It holds me in place, but how does it affect an object in flight? The cherubs will find out tomorrow, as they build, launch and test paper helicopters.

Mrs. Pulizzi has become a computer geek
Yep, she has the kids in the computer lab writing Haiku-style poetry on Google.docs. Mrs. P has always been leery of the 'puter until Mr. Fausnaught, Mr. Ellis, and Mr. Johnson, introduced the middle school staff to the simplistic version of Microsoft office. It is not as intimidating as office. In fact, Mrs. Pulizzi is taking the forefront of the sixth grade teachers in implementing this computer program. Way to go, Cheryl!

We got another visit from Mrs. Fry, today
It was a special visit. One of our boys, I won't say who because it would ruin his macho image, approached Mrs. Fry and gave her a big hug and told her how he missed her. My jaw just dropped. I have always liked this kid, but, his behavior has always been an issue. To actually succumb to the moment and react as he did to Mrs. Fry, made me smile and think, this kid is gonna be okay.

Progress reports went out, today
Summer ain't here, yet. The number of failing or near failing science grades has me a bit shaken. I hope this serves as a wake-up call and you kiddoes get back to work. We have a couple of neat projects to complete before the end of the year. PARENTS: these are progress reports, not report cards. Don't get too excited about the low science grade. Just double-check my homework page and ensure the munchkins are getting the work done. Click the link to go to my homework page. http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/4979_3814173829/Blog/browse.asp?a=398&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=51715

Have a great night, folks.

Young Jedi Learn The Ways of the FORCE

Pause a moment for momentum

For homework over the weekend, the cherubs were to "look-up" the definition of momentum and apply it to the balloon-powered race car project. Few of the munchkins did that, and so, few understood the concept of momentum.

Well, I took 'em outside and had them run downhill shouting for them to stop at certain points. Funny, none were able to stop. The momentum of their run caused them to take a step or two or five as they tried to stop.

Earth Day
I feel so bad. Tomorrow is Earth Day and I'm having the kiddoes build Styrofoam airplanes, called, Foamie Flyers. Styrofoam and Earth Day do not mix. However, to understand one of the four forces of flight -- thrust -- this mini-project is neccessary. If it helps, I spent the weekend transplanting rhododendrums, a juniper, and several blooming daffodil clusters. Excuse me, I gotta hug a tree.

Have a great night, folks.

Balloon-Powered Race Cars Tested, Then Trashed

Click here to see my powerpoint of photos I took of the races

Have a great weekend, folks.

Racing Outside, Tomorrow

Sorry, the hallway racing is now over. No, I am not granting BASE or classtime to race in the hallway. I have been generous. Tomorrow, we are moving outside to race the cars on asphalt.

The Balloon-powered race car packet is due on Monday- that includes the questions.

Have a good night, folks.

Mrs. Antonacci Is Making Us Work!!

A full slate of parents coming in today to discuss their child's risk of failing sixth grade. I'm sorry to see so many children in that position, but, I'm glad to see parents are taking an active role in helping to ensure their child is graduated from sixth to seventh grade.

The title of today's blog comes from Mrs. Antonacci is the interim sixth grade team leader. She took it upon herself to organize the parent conferences today and tomorrow. I never really tell her how much I appreciate the extra work she does for this team. Perhaps, you could let her know her efforst really are appreciated -- even though PappaZ get annoyed sometimes. I guess we all do, when someone gives us commands and we just "don't wanna do it." Thanks, Wanita. You know I still luv ya, despite my grumbling -- but, then again, I'm an old man and we do that.

Get them race cars finished
Tomorrow we race in the hallway and Friday we are outside on the driveway. Which reminds me. How in the world do 100 kids go through 45 sticks of hot glue gun glue?

Have a great night, folks.

Building Race Cars

Building race cars in class to test friction and momentum. They kept me hopping, today.

Okay, I am beat. Have a great night, folks.

Hey! Z!! This ain't no 'ritin' class!

Okay, you conducted an experiment with friction. Now, I wanna know how you know water reduces friction. In other words, if you are going to answer such questions, be prepared to show evidence or support to what you are claiming. Gee, I feel like I'm teaching a class in language arts.

Outside for BASE
Well, I've been taking the cherubs outside during BASE and they just don't seem to appreciate it. We asked them to wipe off their shoes before entering the building. Mr. Bubb even went so far as to place a rug at the door. Still, a handful of kiddoes refuse to abide by our wishes and track mud throughout the hallways and classrooms. Then, when we call them in, several boys insist on continue playing until we are hoarse shouting them in. Perhaps, the children should earn the right to go outside? I know I am not too keen on doing that for a while.

Have a great night, folks.

Mr. Nike! My Sneaks Slide Too Easily!!!!

My cherubs, today, elevated a laminate board, placed a sneaker on the board and tilted it until gravity overcame friction. Then, they applied a layer of water between the shoe and board and found the lubricate decreased friction, permitting gravity to pull easier on the wearing apparel. Needless to say, a whole bunch of deodorizer was used in the room. Whew!

Have a great weekend, folks -- I gotta work, tomorrow.

Lee Lee's Brain Burped

Ah, Lee Lee, talk about a bad hair day. But, thanks for the entertainment. I hope we had fun with your ditsy math display in class. I know I enjoyed an otherwise boring math problem. Poor Lee Lee was trying to show that a 100-gallon bottle of water contains 21 gallons of oxygen, using the constant of 21%. A bit of algebra confused her. In fact, now that I think about it. That was the type of equation that confused you when it was a math homework assignment several weeks ago. Oh well, all better, now.

I Dig Archaeology
Hey, check out my website! I am adding more about archaeology. It's a dirty little subject few discuss.

Have a great night, folks.

Inquiry-based Learnin' Goin' On

Okay, so, you determined that a 59-mL test tube holds about 14-mL of oxygen. Great. Although you did not get 21% oxygen in the atmosphere, you were close. So, today, I asked, "How come, y'all did not get 21%?" Well, answers varied and it was great. Also, I asked, what if we used a 200-mL test tube, or a larger candle? Of course, the volume of oxygen would change, but, prove that it would still be proportional to the total volume of the test tube. Made for some great intra-group discussions.

The Bionic Website
The district has revamped the appearance of our websites. In turn, I am rebuilding my website. Streamlining and organizing all units. It's gonna be so cool, when I'm done.

Archaeology Society Meetin' Tonight
The local society, in conjunction with the Muncy Historical Society are gearing-up for the opening day of the Pennsylvania Canal Lock excavation at Muncy, on Thursday, April 26. The site is open to the public. If you want to learn more about local history, play in the dirt, or just understand the meaning of archaeology, I urge you to go the dig site, off Pepper Street, in Muncy. Here is the link to the Muncy Historical Society webpage. Just click-on the link. http://www.muncyhistoricalsociety.org/dig/index.html Also, the local society is looking for new members. We meet tonight, at 7 p.m., in the Thomas Taber Museum. Use the parking lot entrance. Robin Van Auken has a neat presentation planned for tonight. Hope to see you there. Getting to know our local history is a great teaching tool for our children.

Have a great night, folks.

Using Microsoft Excel to Make Bar Graphs

It was a crash course in using Microsoft Excel to convert the oxygen volume data from last week, into a digitized data table and bar graph. Nifty tool, instead of a sheet of graph paper, ruler and colored-pencils.

Have a great night, folks.

Back To Teaching

PSSAs are over!! YES!!!!! And, the afternoon fun and games, also, are over. OH, YEAH!!!!!!!! I hate that part. However, the Brain Show on Friday was really good.

Doin' Mathematics In Science
All that data we collected on Monday to find the Percentage of Oxygen in the Atmosphere, was organized, today.

Without going into particulars. Click this link to see the project. The Atmosphere: What Is It?

So, we determined the average volume of oxygen, per group, and calculated the measurements into decimal form. Mrs. Antonacci will be proud of me, I had the munchkins read the numbers as zero decimal point blah, blah, blah. She hates when I don't use that word decimal.

We finished today's lesson with all the equations and data tables filled-in and labeled, correctly. On Monday, we learn to use Microsoft Excel to create a bar graph.

New Social Studies Group
Well, I've got the last of the sixth graders in my social studies class. We do the Bill of Right and map skills. The only nice part is that with nice weather, we will go outside to learn about orienteering. Don't know orienteering? It's a primative version of GPS.

Student Achievers
Today, we awarded our student achiever awards for marking period 3. Felicity got mine for social studies. She really got into volunteering to read, pass out papers and materials, etc. Her enthusiasm in my class was inspirational. Thanks, Felicity. My science achiever is Anisha. Doggone it, she has not received an award, all year. I guess since a kid can only get one award per year, the other teachers must have been holding off for the final marking period. That is why I snatched her up for the third marking period. Anisha could teach my science. I should be able to sit in the back of the room drinking coffee and eating donuts and let her teach her class. I've got some really sharp kids, this year. I don't care what their PSSA scores show, this sixth grade can think and reason and will do fine in the outside world.

Hug your kid - NOW! Have a great weekend, folks.

Big Fire, Little Candle

The cherubs were engrossed in performing an experiment that will eventually lead to finding the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere. To do this, kiddoes substituted water for air and measured the volume of a test tube. Then, they placed the test tube over a lit candle, resting in a dish of water. The result, fire goes out and the expelled oxygen is replaced by water sucked-up into the test tube. All very melo-dramatic.

A Glowing Anniversary

It was 29 years ago, today, that Three Mile Island nuclear powerplant, near Harrisburg, BURPED! I was an electrical engineering student at Penn State's Capital campus, at the time. I lived about a mile from the plant. I could see it from my door. One of my roommates was a water resources management student and interning at Three Mile Island. I went home for Spring Break, that weekend, and turned an interesting shade of pale as news broke of the radiation leak. I pictured glowing cows at night, mutated plants, etc. Needless to say, I never went back. I later transferred to Lycoming College and changed majors.

Let's Sing!
In science, we are conducting an experiment to determine the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere. First, however, we had to learn how to click on a lighter, light a birthday candle, and lower a test tube over the candle to extinguish the flame and measure the volume of oxygen, used. I told several students it was a good time to sing Happy Birthday to anybody.

Social Studies
Plot the location of 10 volcanoes on a grid. They did great. Yesterday, those that understood the concept, taught those that still did not grasp the process. Today, all were well informed and ready for the activity.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Atmospheric Layers Riddles Test

I protect the earth from ultraviolet rays given off by the sun. Who am I?_______________________________ Since this is a layers of the atmosphere test question, you would probably say, Stratosphere.

But, wait, the Thermosphere has a UV protection layer of nitrogen and oxygen, so, Thermosphere, could also be correct.

But, wait!!! Most of the protection from UV rays comes from the ozone layer, found in the Stratosphere. Well, that's correct, as well.

Oh, and, I asked five questions pertaining to the ionosphere and exosphere, but, ran out of time in reviewing them as part of our layers of the atmosphere review. So, I kinda gave them away as free answers (no credit, no penalty).

I suppose I should be tickled the cherubs know we live in the Troposphere, the Jet Streams are in the Stratosphere; the Mesosphere is known as the meteoroid catcher, and you can't measure the temperature of the Thermosphere with a bulb-thermometer.

The pH of water
I nailed my BASE group. I gave them a sample of tap water, distilled water, bottled water, and well water, and asked them to distinguish the water pH using 0-13 pH paper. "But, Mr. Z, they all came out as neutral!?!?! How are we supposed to know which one is which? " Neutral is 'twix 6.5 and 7.5. All those water samples fall within that range.

Ain't I a stinker?

Have a good night, folks.

Have You Hugged Mr. Fausnaught, Lately?

Our beloved principal is still sick. I think he is trying to break all records on length of time for being sick. He loves the children of this building, so much, I believe if enough of you stopped to hug him, his health will improve.

Smells Like a Locker Room
I've been hearing that all day. My BASE kids are learning about pH and one of the samples they are testing is bleach. I put the samples from yesterday in my refrigerator and today, the odor of bleach has permeated the entire room. Kind of a nice change from the usual coffee smell.

Told 'tya So!
My social studies class grimaced when I told them we were going to study map skills. Mostly, they complained about its simplicity. Ha ha. Yesterday, they got a chance to plot latitude and longitudinal points on a grid -- ya know; north or south latitude, and east or west longitude. It got confusing, but, I think we have everyone on the same page. Today, they were given 10 actual cities to plot on a grid.

Layers of the Atmosphere
All science sections, save section 64, reviewed the layers of the atmosphere, today. They even learned the differences between a meteor, meteoroid, and meterite. You don't know? Ask your kid. He/she don't know? You better email me, tonight. They are being quizzed, tomorrow.
Section 64 is just learning about our present atmosphere. I went into a dissertation about the power of veggies, when it comes to introducting nitrogen into our bodies, which aides in producing proteins, which aid in building skin and muscles. Go ahead, ask your section 64 kid why mama always tells us to eat our veggies?

Have a great night, folks.

I, Smiled, Today!

Yes, its true. A Kodak moment, if you will. I returned from the sixth grade team meeting to find a 2.75-oz chocolate Easter bunny resting on my computer monitor. Thanks, Racquel. There was no one around to see the pearly-whites, but, believe me, the cracks in my face were evident the remainder of the day.

Then, MRS. FRY!!!! came in to visit about 3:15. Guys, she looks great!!! We hugged and chatted a short-while. It was wonderful to see Mama Fry.

Problem-Solving
The cherubs worked in groups on an ozone-damaging prediction graph. I gave them a few questions to answer and the majority of students worked well in solving the problem. You wanna talk about infuriating. They still can only deal in black/white, and when I refused to answer questions and directed them back to their groups, they grumbled and griped, but, lo-and-behold, the worked on the problem. It felt great to see their independence.

BASE Played with pH
I poured out some bleach, toilet bowl cleaner, vinegar, liquid soap, coffee, lemon juice and some other do-dads, and set the BASE students off on investigating bases and acids. I burned the daylights out of my fingers handling the toilet bowl cleaner, but, the kids had no reason to touch that material. I'm not quite certain of the reaction on their part. I thought it was a neat lesson. Oh well, I will repeat the lesson for tomorrow's group.

Have a great night, folks.

Post-Easter Depression

Where, oh where, is my chocolate Easter bunny? I asked for one in my blog, and no one brought me a bunny. Hrrrmmpphh!

Talk About Zombies!
Attack of the walking dead. The munchkins were totally zoned-out. Yeah, teaching is easy. Despite all that, I trudged on. Today, sections 62,63, and 61, started layers of the atmosphere, while section 64, learned a bit about the three main features of the Earth. Everyone has homework.

I Passed the Ecology Torch To Mrs. Rogers

Mrs. Rogers, the 7th grade science teacher, and I, spent the morning, together. For those of you who do not know Mrs. Rogers -- she's pregnant. Not a really cool pregnant -- my belly is still bigger.

Anyway. Today, I passed on the Ecology unit to Mrs. Rogers. I spent the last seven years teaching the environment to my sixth graders. This year, I am concentrating on geology -- you know, Earth and Space Science. Therefore, I gave her my new and improved leaf collection project, complete with tree, leaf, twig, and fruit pictures. I am really proud of this unit and rewrote it in October, geared to use it next year. I also hope she continues my unit on dendrology -- the study of trees, and dendrochronology -- the life of trees.

I really like Mrs. Rogers. She is so quiet -- unlike the big ol' grumpy, loud ogre that teaches 6th grade science. She concentrates on life science -- Biology -- the study of life. I keep telling my kiddoes they are gonna love Mrs. Rogers. The 7th graders keep telling me I was right and they really like her. However, her jokes are not nearly as "stupid" as mine. Oh, well.

We then discussed and found neat stuff about Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 25). This year's theme, is, "The Planet in Peril." Well, both of us have been teaching that same theme, all year. Wait'll you see what we have planned for that week.

I'm Workin' Tomorrow
Teachers have to make-up a day because of a snow day. Dr. Mextorf gave us a choice of Good Friday or June 9. Well, my classroom needs a good cleanin', so I'll be there, tomorrow. I was surprised to hear a number of other teachers are coming in, as well. Most of them have little ones, at home. I hope they leave early enough to spend some time with their families. My daughter is at school in Texas, my son is visiting a buddy in Harrisburg, the wife works at Lycoming College cafeteria and so, works on Easter Sunday. Its just me, the dog, and the cats on Sunday -- I hope they like ham and yams.

Kids Go Back To School On Monday!!!
School, as usual, on Monday. Check out my homework page. I did some revamping before work, this morning. Kinda got the idea from Mrs. Pulizzi. Let me know what you think.

Have a great Easter -- remember, I LOVE CHOCOLATE BUNNIES!!!!

What a Fast Day!

Have a great Easter break. The teachers are working, tomorrow, and I am going in on Friday, to make-up the one snow day.

Atmosphere Unit Begins!!!!

Okay, read pages 19-23 in the textbook and do the questions and answers in the section review on page 23. "Do we have to write the questions?"
"Absolutely not! And, while you are at it, do not write the answers. What good are answers without questions?" Geez!

So Proud
Scored well on the test, today? Hmmm. You did the worksheets, I checked them, gave you a chance to fix the mistakes, rechecked them until you fixed all the mistakes. Had you copy that information into your own packets and then I let you use those packets for the test. A test, in which I copied the questions from the packets. Real rocket science. Here are the powerpoints: http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497970223125916/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=51474

Don't forget Mrs. Pulizzi's big vocab test, tomorrow.

Have a great night, folks.

Answers to the test

Those 7 powerpoint packets are the answers to the test. If you studied the powerpoints and answered the questions on the worksheets, then, you have the answers. Simple. Really. So, why did several students still fail the test?

Have a good night, folks.

Sorry, I'm Late

I was so busy after school, I did not get home until 9:15. Between paying bills, shopping with the wife, and going to church, I was really occupied.

Hey, did ya stop by Mr. Fausnaught's blog, today. Fantastic video. Here is the link: http://mrfausnaught.blogspot.com/

I see Lee Lee has admonished me for being late with the blog. Sorry.

Nothing much to write about, today. Hmmm, PappaZ, dumbfounded -- notify the media!

Have a great weekend, folks.

The Gag Response

I could deal with the discarded candy and gum wrappers on the floor. I even tolerated the cow syndrome (chomping on gum with mouth-open), but, I draw the line on discarded gum. I peeled off two wads of gum from seats, this morning. Kids found more under the table at computer #5 and one under the hole punchers. Needless to say, I gagged as I removed them. I have therefore instituted a no gum/candy zone in my classroom. I am not kidding. Violators will first have lunch detention with me, and a second offense results in an after school detention. I shutter to think of a third offense penalty.

My BASE Is Getting Bugged
In keeping with water quality awareness, my BASE kids are researching macroinvertebrates and how they are used to study the quality of water. Ya know, some critters are very sensitive to pollution, while, others thrive. Here I thought I would get "icky pooh" from some kinds, but they embraced the research. It really is a kind of fun research. I hope tomorrow's BASE thinks so, as well.

Have a great night, folks.

Squeezing 25 kids in a 10-feet long space

Section 63 is close to completing their Earth's Innerds unit.

Take a look at how they cram together to gather the information from six computers on the side of my classroom. Ahhhhh, togetherness. Its a wonderful thing, as long as, everyone is showered and teeth are brushed. Really. The kids have been great during this unit. They work in teams of 4 or 5, and each team shares one computer. I really have to thank Mr. Gee, Mr. Black and Mr. Johnson, our techies, for repairing my six computers. It certainly saves us from using the entire computer lab.

We Dig In April!!

The Northcentral Pennsylvania Chapter 8 Archaeology Society and the Muncy Historical Society continue their dig at the old Muncy Canal Lock on Pepper Street, Muncy, on April 26. The dig is open to the public. Wanna learn a bit about artifact collecting? This is a great opportunity. The link to the Muncy Historical Society and the dig operations are: http://www.muncyhistoricalsociety.org/dig/index.html Click on this link and learn all about digging into our past. Its a great site and well-maintained.

Have a great night, folks.

Rewarded For Good Behavior

Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Pulizzi, Mrs. Nemeth, and Mr. Fausnaught, were so intrigued with the sixth graders' great behavior at Frankly Ben, that we spent periods 6 and 7, watching "Ella Enchanted," (I liked it) and eating popcorn and lollipops. Just our way of saying thanks for the good behavior.

Map Skills
In social studies we started a packet on map skills.

Have a great night. I wanna get back to the movie.

Loyalsock Conquers Mansfield -- On To Altoona!

WOW!!!! Congratulations,
Loyalsock Township OM Teams!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Sun-Gazette for publishing photographs -- here's the link: http://cu.sungazette.com/pages/gallery.php?gallery=301694

Anisha, Leah, and Addie -- quoted in the newspaper! You're now stars. And, I bet this won't be your only 15 minutes of fame!!!

Civil Rights Movement Studied in Social Studies

My cherubs watched Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., give his "I've Got A Dream" speech on a U-Tube video clip. So, I had them design a poster that sums-up the civil rights movement. I too, have a dream, that all sixth graders realize the importance and beauty of diversity.

Finally, Pangaea!
Many groups have succeeded in completing six of the seismic powerpoints and are now learning about Alfred Wegener and the theory of Pangaea -- the super continent.

4-Sight
Mrs. Antonacci, Mrs. Pulizzi, and Mrs. Nemeth, want to do a final 4-sight testing before the PSSAs. So, Tuesday and Wednesday, will be double-academic periods. My first period will meet both first and second period on Tuesday, while my sixth period meets sixth and seventh periods on Tuesday. Second period meets first and second period on Wednesday, and 7th period meets sixth and seventh period on Wednesday.
I really like our 4-sight tests. They give us real insight on how our kiddoes are progressing. Also, I have the neatest video from National Geographic, I want to show on those two days.

Be Here on Monday
Spread the word, kids. We want you at school on Monday. Mrs. Pulizzi and Mr. Fausnaught want to thank our 6th graders for their fantastic behavior at the Frankly Ben show. No, their not planning on having me give every kid a PappaZ hug. Few, could survive that.

It Was A Good Week
Between leaving early on Monday for a doctor appointment and being out of the classroom to assist Mrs. Phillips with IEP meetings, my 6th graders have been fantastic for the substitute teachers that came in to help out. I really like this group of kids. You will be rewarded with some really neat science projects, coming up, very soon.

Girls' Night Out
Our middle school girls were invited to attend a girls-only event, tonight, at the middle school. Did you go? Wanna share your thoughts with me? I know Mrs. Smith, our school nurse, who coordinated the event, has been excited about this event. If you get a chance, next week, stop by the nurse's office to thank Mrs. Smith.

Wrapping Up Today's Blog
Good luck at Mansfield, OMers. I hope the weather cooperates with you. I know Mr. Fausnaught is going up to support you. If I did not hate driving, so much, I would go, too. I hope you OMers remember to give Mrs. Walls a gigantic hug. She is a phenomenal woman, with coordinating so many exceptional Loyalsock OM teams.

Have a great weekend, folks.

Meet the People

Teachers, staff members, students, no one was safe from the hordes of sixth graders, who, today, swarmed the halls of the middle and high school in search of victims to conduct a water know-how survey. Not only did I have my BASE class, but, I took Mrs. Antonacci's kids in this whirlwind adventure. Seems like they enjoyed the out-of-seat activity.

Willy Wetworth
I wanted to get a photograph of the Willy Wetworth Travel Guide, my BASE kids designed, but they blended in with the backdrop of the wall so much, the actual booklets were lost in the glare. Sorry. They are kinda cool, stop by my room and read them. I have them on the hallway wall, outside my classroom. Whatsa Willy Wetworth Travel Guide? Its the adventure of a water drop through the drainpipe and is part of a water conservation and protection project I am working with during the BASE period.

Anisha's Mom
Stopped in to see me, today. Anisha has been accepted, again, for a summer program at Johns Hopkins. Wow. This little girl is sharp. She is polite, warm, and a really nice kid.

Have You Thought About Summer Camp?
If you are struggling in school, perhaps, you should consider summer camp for reading and/or math. Mrs. Nemeth and Mrs. Antonacci will talk with you if they think you would benefit from the summer program.

OMers Make the News
Congrats to Loyalsock OMers that the education section of the Sun-Gazette!! I am so proud of our kids that get involved in this problem-solving activity. It takes a lot of their free time, but the rewards are well worth it. Keep chuggin', kiddoes, and good luck at competition at Mansfield on Saturday. By the way, Saturday will be an all-rain event with just a trace of snow. You should be okay for traveling.

Thanks Nick D.
I may not have said this enough to Nick, but, I am so very proud of this young man. He has turned himself around and is a pleasure to have in the classroom. He is intelligent, strives to succeed and has been helpful to me when I needed an extra hand. I think he is COOL. I mentioned that to Mr. Fausnaught, this morning, who agreed with me. Keep it up, Nick. You will do very well for yourself with this new attitude.

Have a great night folks. Dog and I are going for a nice walk, as soon as I get out of the school building.

A Rare Privilege, Indeed

While the sixth grade attended a field trip, today, I stayed behind to attend learning support meetings. In between my meetings, I filled-in for two 7th grade teachers, who also attended similar meetings. It gave me an opportunity to see what my colleagues are doing in the classroom, and boy, I gotta tell ya, I'm impressed as all get-out.

Define Tyrant -- Naw, Not PappaZ
First, I had an opportunity to play Mr. James Ellis, the 7th grade social studies teacher. We did a study guide review for a test tomorrow on medieval Europe. The students were well prepared for the review and we had an interesting session talking about the importance of the Rhine and Thames River, knights, lords, vassals, and feudalism. The munchkins were intrigued and motivated. All too soon, Mr. Ellis returned, and I moved on to the next teacher. I like Mr. Ellis' style of teaching.

Pizza To Wet The Learning Appetite
Next, was Mr. Tristin Forney, 7th grade language arts teacher, and one of my former students -- oiy, I'm gettin' old. Anyway, the cherubs came into the classroom, got into their groups, some grabbed a laptop, and they proceeded to work on a project. Talk about motivated. They are writing a piece, complete with the mechanics of grammar, on their favorite pizza parlor. The winning group gets a pizza from that establishment. Now, these kiddoes were mine, last year, and they were a great bunch of characters, but, I have to tell you, Mr. Forney has truly motivated them. I saw real learning, cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, practical learning, going on. I told him and I will tell you, Mr. Forney is an innovative teacher with a unique style. Unfortunately, he is a temporary, long-term substitute. Whatever school district lands him as a permanent addition will indeed be fortunate. I have watched Mr. Forney from the time he was a student teacher with Mrs. Fry and throughout this school year and the only word I can think of to describe his classroom environment is -- COOL. I sincerely hope Loyalsock finds a permanent position for him, he is a gifted teacher.

I sometimes look around at my colleagues and am truly impressed with the quality of our teaching staff, here at the middle school.

They're Baaacccckkk!
My cherubs returned about noon. We ate lunch in homerooms. It gave me a chance to ask about the "Frankly Ben" show. Some liked it, others described it as opera meets rap, and still, others did not care for the wiggle/jiggle dancing. Few saw a link to the historical Ben Franklin figure. Mostly, they saw a young Ben trying to decide his future. To be fair, Stasia did exclaim, "It was Cool!" Ryland told me "it was awesome." Ask your kiddo, tonight, about the show.

I would love to hear from you. Whadd'ya think of the teachers at Loyalsock or how did your kiddo like the Frankly Ben show?

Have a great night, folks.

The New Phone Book Is Here!!!!

As Steve Martin said in the film, "The Jerk," when the new phone book arrived. "I'm a somebody!" I made it as an address link in Mr. Fausnaught's blog! Just watch me sashay down the main hallway, now. Hmmmm. My importance has now increased. Hee hee. Just kidding. Thanks, Mr. Fausnaught.

Earthquake Central
The munchkins are getting the hang of working in groups on the computer to answer worksheet questions on Earthquakes, as presented in a series of powerpoint presentations. You say you can't find those powerpoints? Well, its because they can only be accessed from inside the school district buildings. In other words, its on the district server that is not accessible on the internet. Sorry.

Drainpipe Adventures
BASE kids are working on a water conservation project. The first phase is design a Wet Willie adventure through the drainpipe.

Social Studies
Equal rights.

Have a good night, folks.

Gave 'Em The Same Quiz

Okay, they are working in groups on a project. I quizzed them on Friday, about what they learned. Obviously, the ones that did the work, did well. Those that just stood around and talked, did poorly. Surprise!~! I gave 'em the same quiz, again, today. Most did better, some did the same, a couple did worse?

Look for progress reports on Thursday.

I read a letter to the editor of the Sun-Gazette in praise of a Loyalsock boy named, Eric. He did a random act of kindness for an older woman by shoveling out snow and ice for no pay. I hope we find out who you are, Eric. You are about to get the hug of your life from a bunch of tired old teachers, who role-model morality.

Have a good night, folks

Shocking Watt U Can Learn

My buddy, Bailey, shows little emotion as the vandegraf generator builds a hefty charge and discharges an arcing lightning bolt. We spent a good part of the day playing. My telephone, shown in the photo, got the brunt of the discharges as we watched bolt after bolt zap the receiver. Watt more can we learn about Ben Franklin"s experiment?

Have a great weekend, folks.

Seismic Waves

Well, the munchkins pretty much finished the Earthquake powerpoint and should be starting the next worksheet -- Slinky P-Waves. Time for a surprise multiple-choice question quiz, eh? By all appearances, the cherubs are fooling around, gathered around six 'puters, but, looking at their worksheets, today, I see at least one member of each group is on the ball. Talk about controlled chaos.

Van deGraf generator
Oooohhh, I've got a Van deGraf static electricity generator for use in tomorrow's social studies class. I got it from the high school science department. The kiddoes were not real impressed with the power of a small Leydon jar in producing an electric discharge. This puppy can arc a charge from three feet. If Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment left them lukewarm, this demonstration should be a real shocker. They will be charged-up for next week's musical.

The Boss is Back
Good to see Mr. Fausnaught back. His color still is not a healthy glow, but, he appears to be functioning. This "crud," as the cold/flu bug has been dubbed, is making its rounds. I was nailed, last week. Mr. Fausnaught is going on a month. Mrs. Pulizzi spent three days at home and should have made today, a fourth. She looks really weak. The kids are coming back after days of being sick with the "palest" complexions. It really is a "crud."

Have a great night, folks

We Is Workin' On 'Puters

The lesson continues as the cherubs work together on PappaZ powerpoints in the classroom.

I gotta really thank Mr. Gee and Mr. Black, for working so diligently, to get my six little boat anchors -- I mean, 'puters, working. With Mrs. Nemeth in the computer lab, I can still do my lessons. This is great.

In Social Studies, we viewed a video about the real Benjamin Franklin. I gotta tell ya. He has always been my hero and with my paunch of a gut and balding head and reading glasses, I am starting to look like him.

Have a great night, folks.

All-4-One

The kiddoes are ganging-up on six computers in my classroom, reviewing powerpoint presentations on various aspects of Earth's innerds. Today, they started with everything they need to know about earthquakes. Each group (about four kids, each) shares a single computer to answer worksheets pertaining to that powerpoint. In the meantime, they have a reading assignment from the textbook and answer the questions on the section review page 145.

Social Studies
It ain't no Leydon jar, but my lightning game, certainly gave my munchkins an idea of the static electricity Benjamin Franklin sought in his kite-flying experiment. We spent the entire period shocking ourselves. Although the boys strived to show off, little Jolene took shock after shock without even a change in facial expression. Okay, not a heck of a lot of learning went on, but, we had fun and believe it or not, the children understood the basis of Benny's experiment.

Pulizzi Out Sick, Fry Still Out, Antonacci Went Home
I was all alone in 6th grade, this afternoon. Thank goodness Mrs. Nemeth has been here for a while and there was a familiar face down the hall. I even miss Mr. Fausnaught, who frequently pokes his head in my room and utters a friendly greeting. A cold, rainy day, inside and out.

Geologic Timelines
Wow. Mucho munchkins completed and displayed their 15-foot geologic timelines. Thanks, kids, they look great. Oh, Leah, my question to you about the timeline referred to a 15-foot long strip of paper that hardly had any information for the first four billion years, but the last 100 million years was full of all kinds of neat events that occurred on Earth. The idea was to put into prespective Earth was desolate for so long and then burst forth with events.

Have a great night, folks.

Making A Geologic Timeline

15-feet until humans appeared

Our geologic timelines started at 4.5 billion years ago and continued until today. At 10-cm equals 100,000,000 years, the 15-foot long timeline seemed empty compared to all the Earthly developments that occurred over the last 100 million years. As they are completing the assignment, the timelines are going up on the wall outside my room.

Social Studies
Frankly Ben is March 5, so, today, we started to learn a bit about Ben Franklin. Of course, I am zeroing in on Franklin, the scientist.

Have a good night, folks.

Save Your Timeline for Class

Let's use classtime to work on those geologic timelines. I am changing the due date to mid-week, next week. OKAY?

Good night. Teacher still sick. Teacher no check email the rest of tonight. Teacher go to nappy, now.

Hard to Log-in, Today!

I am late with the blog because I could not log-in. Have no idea, why. But, I'm here, now.

I've got a cold. Feel miserable. That darned Fausnaught! He must have breathed on me. He's been sick for several weeks. His entire clan is battling bug after bug.

My afternoon classes started a geological timeline. They cut four sheets of paper into five-cm strips, glued the ends together to make a 15-foot long strip. Then, they marked off every 10cm to represent 100 million years. Yeah, they started with 4.5 billion years ago. These kiddoes will work on the timeline tomorrow and possibly Friday.

My son bought a new external hard drive and gave me his old six gig external. However, I am really ill and did not play with he hard drive. The Tylenol cold medicine is kicking in and I am getting oh so groggy. Too groggy to converse with my daughter via Yahoo Messenger. Perhaps, her boyfriend will read this blog and pass that on to her. Her cell does not work in her dorm. The walls are hurricane-proof, three-feet thick. Signal stinks.

Have a good night.

I'd walk 16 days

Okay, we decided one mm equals one year. We used a trundle wheel set to click every meter (that's 1,000 mm). Therefore, one meter equals a millenium (1,000 years). We walked through the middle school and high school and only walked 350 meters. That's 350,000 years. Oh my! We would have to make three laps to equal 1 million years. -- I sent one volunteer to jog the distance. It took about two minutes. In the end, we calculated it would take 16 non-stop days of walking. Whew! The Earth is 'pert near as old as Mr. Z!

Have a great night.

Using Microsoft Word to do blog

Boss’ Suggestion
Well, Mr. Fausnaught suggested writing my blog to Microsoft Word and then cut and past to the blog.

Composing a Personal Timeline
Some of the cherubs turned in their personal timelines, today. Some were really cool! A couple were sad, such as, one student that recalled the most memorable moment in his life was when his cat died, several years ago.

How much is a million?
Tomorrow, we will see how many pennies it takes to make a million, even a billion. However, that activity is web-based, particularly, if I had a million pennies, I most certainly would be retired and living on some tropical beach. To enhance the lesson, one millimeter is equal to a year. How far would we have to walk in the building until we counted a million millimeters? We’ll use a trundle wheel. Why do this? Well, Earth supposedly is 4.5 billion years old. Its hard to equate that number with something our meager senses can comprehend. If we scale it down to a measurable number we can do in class, then something should be learned.

Today’s Social Studies lesson?
Prayer in school. The textbook reviewed a wonderful Supreme Court case of Engle vs. Vitale, and we, decided to hold our own case based on the facts. One part of the class agreed with the court decision, while another group disagreed and a third group simply said, “I need more information.” Tomorrow, we debate.

Have a great night.

Sauceless, Crunchy KFC Wings

The commercial begins with a young lady chomping into one of those wings and expressing surprise! "Wow! I didn't expect that!"

Well, rock essays were turned-in, today. My Rock Opera wall, outside of my classroom, features the works of those who attained a 20-out-of-20 on the essay. I must say. many of our children are talented writers, but, some . . . "Whew! I didn't expect that!"

For weeks and weeks they have been practicing restating the prompt in the introductory statement of any writing assignment in language arts class. Even writing for science is not new! So, why did some children refuse to restate the prompt, or even write an introduction that states they will be discussing the three types of rock?

Apparently, no one told some of these children about plagiarism. Some blatantly copied information directly from the internet, a book, even my background information.

Some kiddoes did not bother talking about the sedimentary rocks they made in class. Some did not mention the rocks I have on display on each table. Some did not reference the appearance, texture, feel, or color of the rocks on display in the room.

Some sufficed to write a single, three-sentence paragraph. Some never even got to mention the types of rocks, but, rather, discuss the sandstone, shale, conglomerate and limestone, they made in class.

The skill is there. Orally, they communicate, quite well. The written language is a difficult skill to master. It is something that must be practiced over and over and over, again. Parents! Insist your child use a graphic organizer before writing. Encourage use of a dictionary for the pesky spelling of words. Read your child's assignment and comment accordingly. Do not let them give up or whine about writing. It is a skill that will benefit them -- FOREVER!!!!!

I love these kids -- they are fantastic!!! I must, however, be the taskmaster and insist on quality work!

Have a great weekend .

Writing An Essay

How would you compare the three types of rocks found on Earth? There's sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. The munchkins have been working on this assignment since Tuesday. It is due TOMORROW!!!!!

Have a good night

Aaaarrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!!

Shovel the snow, then go back three hours later, and shovel again. Then, this morning a layer of ice that needed ice melt and a good scraping. Then, more snow. On top of that!! The silly furnace burps. Kudos to Montour Oil. They were here within the hour. Heat is back on, and I just scraped and shoveled the last of the snow.

Time for coffee.

Have a great night.

Early Dismissal

Snows a'comin'. Does not excuse you from science work. You were given a writing assignment, today. The packet, "Building Rocks, From the Ground, Up," explains your prompt and the rubrics.

The assignment is due on Friday.

Early dismissal: 12:45 p.m.

Have a good night.

Dr. PappaZ Is In

My dentistry office has opened! Yep, today, it was like pulling teeth.

Sedimentary rocks were made and displayed, today. Observations were made and comparisons were made to igneous and metamorphic rocks. Little dialog in the groups. They made it seem like a dreary task, rather than a chance to examine first-hand how sedimentary rocks form. Today's theme was making stones -- of course, I popped in a Rolling Stones CD.

Ho hum. BASE ended-up being an SSR time. No one seems interested in archaeology. Too bad. There is a plethera of fascinating stories floating around this old town.

Social Studies was about the freedom of religion. Only problem is, the munchkins were praying for class to end.

A very disappointing day, indeed.

Good night.

In the Kitchen, with -- PappaZ?

Okay, we made the rocks, in class. We kneaded the soil, added water, and pressed the dough into a paper bowl. If they had too much water, the munchkins were instructed to sprinkle some sand, on top, to absorb the excess water.

It was kinda cool to hear kids say things like, sift the sand and knead the dough. If you wonder why we offer Family and Consumer Science (i.e.: Home Ec), there you have the reason. The life lessons taught by Mrs. Beard really do pay-off.

Since today's lesson was rockin', I played some tunes that featured the word rock. Elton John's "Crocodile Rock," and Elvis Presley singing, "Jailhouse Rock." Joan Jett and the Blackhearts', "I Love Rock-n-Roll" was equated to "Hey! That's on Guitar Hero III!!" -- Oiy, I'm gettin' old.

Have a great weekend.

Wow!! We Made Dirt Piles!

Wait a minute. We were supposed to have rocks! We mixed all the ingredients together, added the wet stuff, and set them on the windowsill to dry.

So, why did it come out the way we started?

Hmm. When you make cookies, unless you bake them, you have cookie dough. Perhaps, if we added heat, from friction, from pressure?

AHHHHH, we needed to knead the wet soil into mudpies!?!? We needed to squeeze out the excess water and pore spaces to permit the soil particles to bond and form rock.

So, guess what we will do tomorrow? We get to play with MUD!!!!!!!! By Monday, we will have rock.

Have a great night

Rock On, In Science

Making and examining sandstone. Tomorrow, shale and conglomerate. PappaZ would not answer any questions. My remark was, "Does your mama cook and serve your food? Does she pre-chew it for you, also?"

An Amphibian in an Age of Fishes

Yes, fishes. Fish is plural for a population of fish, but, fishes denotes a variety of populations. Therefore, an age of fishes -- the Devonian Age -- 350 million years ago, when Lycoming County was located about 20-degrees south of the equator and this region was a sub-tropical area receiving the surface runoff from a 40,000-feet high mountain range.

We learned this from a fossil dig conducted on Route 120, near Northbend in Clinton County.

The munchkins used the computer lab and held their hands to the computer screen to see the bony fin of a Hynerpeton Bassetti, was the same size as their hand. WOW!! Kinda makes a musky look tiny.

Better yet! Hyneria lindae -- a 12-feet long aquatic predator. The teeth of this bad boy were recovered and displayed in a photo slideshow presented by the Philadelphia Inquirer in December.

I got all kinds of links to this dig site, including a link to the Keystone Central School District (Lock Haven area), which featured this fossil find in a website the 5th and 6th graders created two years ago.

Go to my website and click on "fossils" in the grey column.

Have a great night folks -- me? Gonna dream about landing that Hyneria lindae in my dad's 10-feet long rowboat.

We Made Limestone

We made limestone, today. Which, led us to talk about how limestone forms in nature. Which led us to reveal our area was ocean floor 360 million years ago, which took us to fossils and from there, we talked about how Carbon-14 dating is used.

Have a great night.

Wouldn't 've come to school, anyway

Remember my fall, the other day. Well, the pain, today, is incredible. To top it off, I had a reaction to the painkiller and spent a portion of the night hugging the great white wishing well. Needless to say, the heaving did little to comfort the torn chest muscle. I just waited for that call to come, this morning. You see, we have a phone tree -- principal calls secretaries, who call a teacher, and that teacher calls another, and another, and so on.
Even Penn College is closed!! Take note of this rare moment, folks.

Limestone Recipe
I found a neat recipe for making limestone. We will do that on Monday.

If You Are Reading This Blog
If you are one of my kiddoes or the parent of one of my kiddoes, send me a comment on how you are spending this Friday off. We will make up for in at Easter. As it stands, we lost both vacation days in February. This afternoon is 'posed to be warmer, but rainy. I can live with that. For now, the ice is out there, and I'm in here, and we are both happy.

Have a great day off!! P.S. Don't forget to read Mr. Fausnaught's blog and Mrs. Wright's blog. Mrs. W. is an 8th grade teacher. You may as well start being nice to her now. She's a great lady and has been a wonderful friend since my days as a substitute teacher, back in the days of the dinosaur.

Conglomerate Rock

Okay, we made conglomerate rock, in class. Funny, we mixed a grey powder in with our sand and rounded gravel. Conglomerate means multiple or many. The multiple came from the grey powder -- it was a mix of lime, silica, iron oxide, etc. But, wait!~!~

Did you say, lime? But, lime comes from limestone and limestone is formed by combining calcium and carbonate. Calcium comes from sea shells.

Therefore, limestone is formed in ocean water!!! But, conglomerate contains lime. Does that mean conglomerate is a sedimentary rock that is formed by sediment from ocean water and land? Does that mean, we find conglomerate rock near ocean water or where ocean water was once present?

Does that support the theory that Williamsport may have been at the bottom of shallow sea?

Hey. This is getting good. Tune in for more on this theory.

Have a good night. Stay off the ice, tomorrow. Believe, it bites -- hard.

Boo Boo Better

The spill I took, yesterday, at school, was attended to, today, at Divine Providence Hospital. Looks like it was a pulled or torn muscle. I should be right as rain in a week or so. Whew!
Even if it looks like rain on Friday, ain't no way I am coming in unless I know for certain school will be in session.

Makin' Sandstone
A bit o' sand and a wee bit o' Epsom salt with water does wonders for making sandstone. Hope our recipe ripens by Monday. We will examine the resulting stone on Monday. Tomorrow, we make shale and conglomerate. On Monday, we make limestone.

Have a great night. Gotta go ice the boo boo.

Ice? Where? OWWWW!! Oh, There!!

Okay, at 6:10 a.m. I pulled into the school parking lot. My wife calls me on the cell -- two hour delay. Great. I got lotsa work to do. One of our maintenance guys was pushing a spreader, tossing loads of ice melt on the sidewalk and driveway of the school. I follow him to the building. I get to the tech shops and SPLAT!!! Down I go. The maintenance guy got the brunt of my heel on the back of his head as my feet flew upwards. I was down. I was hurt. Wind knocked out of me and a terrible pain in my left shoulder joint. The maintenance guy had to help me up, I could not get a footing. What a nice guy. He grabs my arm and leads me to the building.

I get ready for the day. Ran off today's experiment, prepared the powerpoint presentation and gathered all the materials needed for the experiment. I'm ready to go by 8:15 a.m. -- the cell rings, again. It's the wife. "School is closed!?!?!" Arrrgghh.

Fortunately, no ice encounters until I got home. My front sidewalk is angled down toward the street and the ice was thick enough for skating. This was neat. The guy across the street works for Williamsport schools. He was in his front yard with his dog and very amused and entertained watching me bent over using my pen as an ice pick and inching my way uphill to the front gate. Using the gate as a launching pad, I careened ever so gracefully towards the front porch. I suppose it resembled a cross between a duck landing on water and a water buffalo trudging through mud.

The pain in my shoulder is where the chest meets the shoulder joint. It hurts. Something got stretched. I can imagine, tomorrow. That means, I'll have to hold the coffee cup in the right hand. Great. I may have to put the cup down to eat a doughnut. At least I can type.

I deserve a sticker, a pat on the head and a thumbs-up.

Have a great day off, kids. I got some school work to do.

Finishing With Ocean Water

Well, the unit is over. We looked at freshwater, performed experiments, and then took a look at ocean water. I was going to have the kiddoes conduct a project on density and salinity, but, felt writing skills in greater need of honing, so our project was to write an imaginery story about strolling on the ocean floor.

Making Stone
Tomorrow, we return to the FOSS geology unit. Talk about having to rewrite something. The entire 9-week unit was geared more towards 8th grade. I toned it down a bit, explained more where needed and interjected material I felt was more critical to learning than retrace the exploration of the Grand Canyon. All-in-all, the FOSS unit is great, but needed tweeked. For this week's class, the munchkins will use sodium silicate as a cementing agent (matrix) in the formation of sedimentary rock. We will first make sandstone, coal and shale, then move onto limestone. I can't wait until we do geologic time and dinosaurs - grrrooowwwlll!!!

Speaking of Dinosaurs
Well, sort of, this time I'm talking about the tiny sea critters that inhabited our area 360 million years ago. Keystone Central School District (Lock Haven/Renovo area) has a great website on Red Hill http://www.kcsd.k12.pa.us/renovo/dig/ -- about the fossil finds from the Devonian period. Check it out. The kiddoes in that school district did a fantastic job with this lesson.

Report Cards
Get thos report cards signed and returned to homeroom teachers.

Have a great night.