Classroom Newsblog vs. Classroom Newspaper

Some students have asked if we could have a classroom newspaper. We currently have the means of disseminating classroom information and ideas through our (news)blog and I have a few that comment on my posts, but haven't had anyone write an article or editorial. It makes me wonder if a (news)paper would be any different. This is what I propose: We need to decide which avenue is the best for our classroom (blog or paper). In order to reach an educated and democratic decision, we must analyze the facts and gather ideas and opinions on the subject.

Comparing and contrasting is one way of analyzing facts in order to make a decision. Some like to use a Venn diagram to do this and others use a T-chart to list the pros and cons. If we really want to have some sort of news dissemination in our classroom, with the students running it, then we need to gather information in order to make an equitable and sound decision in this matter. I could list a bunch of survey questions and write the pros and cons of the issue, but have decided that if this is what the class wants then they need to come up with a plan themselves. So........there are 30 great minds in our community...let your imagination fly, reach a consensus, and put a planned proposal on my desk no later than Friday, September 30th.

Mrs. Simi

Science Discovery

My husband, Rick, and I were discussing science discoveries, which led me to share that our science books and videos tell us that an atom is too small to see; even with a super powered microscope. He then disagreed. So....after looking it up on the Internet we discovered that in 1991a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was developed. Go to http://science.howstuffworks.com/atom10.htm to read more. I found it fascinating that IBM was able to manipulate the atoms to spell out IBM...very cool stuff. Anyhoo, our science books need to be updated.

What did you think of the static electricity experiments we conducted this week? Is there another experiment you wished we had tried? What do you want to know about current electricity this week? We will be going to

http://www.andythelwell.com/blobz
http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/siliconspies/siliconspieslink.htm

Here are some games...I'm not very good at these since I don't play very many video games and understand how to use my keyboard. I'm sure you will do great!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/physical_processes/electrical_circuits/play.shtml
http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/games/game_nano.html

Send me your thoughts on this or send me an email with a post you would like to start on our blog. See you on Monday!

Mrs. Simi