Journal Entry

Today I got to visit with students in high school, middle school AND elementary school. We started the day with Dr. Ken sharing some photos and talking with the high school students about his adventures in the Chukchi sea on the Coast Guard Ice Breaker "Healy". The presentation focused on observable changes in the Arctic and their effects on the native populations that are closely tied to and heavily dependent on that environment for subsistence living. Ken has been visiting this area since the late 70's and has worked with many of these students and their families over the years. Mid-morning I went to spend some time with the Kindergarten and first grade combined class. Our goal was to think and share ideas about scientists and the tools they use. I'm not sure if we met that goal, but boy they had some busy fun playing with and exploring the science tools we had gathered for them. We incorporated a little "sink or float" experiment and made some predictions. Their teacher, Ms. Fisher, thought to include a lab write up. Brilliant! Next, I visited the middle school students. Their current science topic is "physical properties". Their teacher, Joe VanWagner wanted to incorporate some practice on note taking. So that's exactly what we did. I'll try to attach the presentations that Ken and I did. Thanks for listening, jill

Principal Todd invites the whole school to sing Happy Birthday to Mr. JoePrincipal Todd invites the whole school to sing Happy Birthday to Mr. Joe VanWagner. Dr. Ken talks with Chelsea, Bun, Sobey, Austin and Jonas.Dr. Ken talks with Chelsea, Bun, Sobey, Austin and Jonas about changes in the Arctic. These fellows are moving these big reading pillows.These kids are moving these big reading pillows and having fun doing it! Who knew that with this balance, you can weigh shoes : )Who knew that with this balance, you can weigh shoes : ) The magnifying glass was a hit!The magnifying glass was a hit! Billy uses the magnifying glass to look at students.Billy uses the magnifying glass to look at students checking out the Newton's Cradle. His eye!His eye! My eye!My eye! Her eye!Her eye! The K-1st students begin their lab write-ups.The K-1st students begin their lab write-ups. Janette shares her lab report. Janette shares her lab report. The left side sank (a coin) and the right side floated (a wooden block and a plastic block). This photo is a little blurry, but Maya is precious. (As they ALL are!)This photo is a little blurry, but Maya is precious. (As they ALL are!) Me and ALL of the middle school students.Me and ALL of the middle school students. Dr. Ken bribes this local with a treat!Dr. Ken bribes this local with a treat! And a big hug!And a big hug! All is well….All is well…. I need Marilyn Cook's help to id this bird!I need Marilyn Cook's help to id this bird!