Science and "Frozen"

I loved the short article "Crystallizing the Science in Frozen" in the recent issue of NSTA Reports (May 2014) explaining the goods and the bads of science usage in the movie Frozen.  Of course this is a great opportunity to link movies, literature, and so much more to science!  There is some great insight into the idea that the opening scene got it right when the ice blocks being cut float in the water as they are transported.  About 90% of the block is below the surface as it should be.  However, later when the fjord is frozen...the ships should have been destroyed...their expanding ice should have crushed the ships hulls and after taking on water sank.  Another wrong scene is when Anna is frozen...technically she should have grown by about 10% in volume since ice expands!  Right?!?!!!!  Finally, the idea of the snowflake as seen on the blog (http://britsketch.blogspot.com) isn't quite right.  The song Elsa sings talks about mathematical fractals (snowflakes) which is correct but the actual drawing doesn't hold true--no 60 degree interior angles maintained throughout the flake.  Interesting ideas.  For more see http://bit.ly/amBgvm.

K-8 Intro to Computer Science

I have really got into the idea of wanting to be a technology teacher!  I love the idea of teaching our students how to use technology effectively and within the classroom.  As it stands...I would apply for the technology job in Hermiston if it weren't so far away, but I am constantly looking for new technology teaching resources.  This one showed up in the NSTA reports and I thought I would share it here!

K-8 Intro to Computer Science

Looking to demystify computers for elementary and middle level students--and their teachers?  This 20 hour course from Code.org introduces basic programming concepts and computational theory through hands-on tutorials and unplugged activities emphasiznig the creative and collaborative nature of computer science. Video lection from famouse people like Bill Gates and NBA star Chris Bosh and artwork from popular games like Angry Bird and Plants vs. Zombies keep content relevant for students.  Learn more at http://bit.ly/1h6ae6O

I personally can't wait to give it a try and see what Levi thinks!  Heck, we can get Hailey in on the deal as well!

twitter in your signature line for email

As I continue to work on non-profit projects for both the PR Chamber of Commerce and the OSTA as their "Communications Specialists" on the website I am learning so much.  I finally made a signature line for all my emails that go out for the Chamber with a link to both the website and Facebook page, but as I work on OSTA stuff I realize I need to create a signature line for me there as well.  In this I would add a link to our Facebook page and Twitter.  Here is a great tutorial on how to add a twitter stamp to the signature line in my emails:  http://wisestamp.com/goodies/link-to-my/twitter-page/.  This will include your latest twitter feed as well at the end!  Cool idea.  Also, looks like you can do the same with Facebook!  Can't wait to give this a try for the OSTA!  This is something to remember when I am in the classroom as well...link to both a class blog, edmodo, FB, or twitter for correspondence!

Add your Twitter Profile to your signature by following these steps:

1. Install WiseStamp 
2. In the WiseStamp Social Icons tab select the Twitter Icon
3. Link to your  Twitter profile *
4. Click on the ‘OK’ button.

That’s it
* http://www.twitter.com/USERNAME

Signature example:

Inserting PDF's into Word documents!

Finally, I have figured out how to get PDF's from the internet into my Word documents!  Originally I was viewing the PDF in adobe reader and under EDIT , selecting "Take a snapshot" to take a picture and then Ctrl V in the Word document to insert it.  ONLY problem--VERY BLURRY!  So here is my alternate solution that took care of the blurring!  With a little help from Zamzar my images are clear and can be rotated to fit on a page within my 50+ page Word document.

1. Start by saving the PDF you want somewhere you can easily find it--Desktop folder is good!
2. Go to www.zamzar.com.
3. Browse for the PDF you saved in the first step.  Select it!
4. In the second zamzar box choose "jpg".
5. Type your email in the third zamzar box.
6. Hit CONVERT.  
7. Go to you email...find the new document (it will only be available for 1 day).
8. Click on the download link in the email you received.
9. Once downloaded I choose the larger file (non zipped file) and save it to my folder on the desktop.
10. Open Word document you want to insert the PDF (now a picture) into.
11. Place curser where you want the picture--INSERT "PICTURE".  Choose the picture you just made and hit enter.
12. Resize as needed and rotate!