Glamping

After all of the talk about Dr. Mangione's love of camping and her wonderful discounts, I had to share my experience from Easter two years ago.  Ben's parents rented this cabin in Fall Creek Falls, and we spent each day hiking and exploring.  Our niece and nephew were there and loved it!  There was a big Easter egg hunt, and the park is definitely kid-friendly.  

It was WONDERFUL, and I had no idea that something this great was just a short car ride away!  If you haven't been to Fall Creek Falls, it is definitely worth the drive! :)

Here's a little more info if you're interested: Fall Creek Falls

 

Me and Carter, who was in kindergarten at the time.

 

Lots of swinging bridges!

This was our cabin that his parents rented.  You don't have to "glamp" quite as much as we did. 

This was our longest and toughest hike, but so worth it to find this beautiful waterfall at the end.

 

Race for the Cure

This weekend, we made a trip home to Memphis to support my Aunt Debbie in Race for the Cure.  She is a nine-month breast cancer survivor and one of the most positive people I know.  We arrived at 6:30 and there were already lots of people there with music playing and lots of positive energy! 

 

This is me and my cousins with my aunt, in pink.

Graham was so excited to see so many people up early with him for once!  He was a trooper!

 

My sweet mom :)  We make as many trips to Memphis as we can fit in so that Dee Dee can have lots of Graham time.

Debbie underwent many radiation treatments with horrible side effects, and she still has some side effects and symptoms daily, but she is SO strong.  She doesn't complain and finds the positive in any situation.

 

Cousins :)

 

 This is a yearly tradition, a picture of all of the survivors. 

It was a great morning and such a powerful experience.  You can find more information about Race for the Cure here. 

Our Last Class

I have to say... I am pretty bummed that our class is over so fast!  Honestly!  Weekend classes are usually tough because they are so quick and make for some pretty long days, but I really enjoyed this class with all of you.  I have a new outlook on science and am excited to put all of these practices to use!

My video wouldn't post on here, but I have shared it with my family and they loved it!

During lunch, we decided to have our own mini tailgate while watching the State game.  

The next week they were #1!! :)  Hail State!

This was my first science lesson to put together, and it was a learning experience for me.  It made me get outside and dig around and realize how important hands-on learning is for our students.  I loved the discussion that came out of our living and nonliving activity.  It will be a great way to get students engaged, thinking, and talking to each other.

More Insects

My insect project haunts me again!  I couldn't resist capturing a picture of this little guy for my blog.  He was so calm and sat next to me while I enjoyed lunch outside.  

I watched this quick video on my praying mantis friend.  

10,000 miniature eyes?  How cool is that?

 

 This idea could be great for an insect lesson.  Students can have fun crafting, while also learning about labeling the insect's parts.  Anything but the take-home project that has parents keeping bugs in their freezer for months! :)

Fall is Here!

Fall is here!

 

 

 

 

Graham and I have been loving this pretty fall weather.  Stroller rides are one of his most favorite thing.  I've also been moving his swing outside to soak up as much of this awesome weather as possible. 

Incorporating a daily weather chart is an easy, but important way to get your students thinking about earth science and the weather and climate.  Here are some cute, simple ideas that could be filled with a students' daily role.  






There are also lots of fun weather science experiments that can be done in the classroom, like the rain experiment found here.