Amazing Night Sky!

Last night, each of the Biospherian STEM Teachers (including me) received a Galileoscope to observe the night sky.  It needed to be assembled which made me a little nervous about whether it would work or not.  It has several lenses inside that have to work perfectly with each other.  Otherwise, you will have obscured vision and nothing will focus correctly. 

We could see a full moon coming over the horizon at about 7:00pm.  We all hollered with excitement, because it was the first chance we had to use our telescopes.  My first view was obscured by what I thought was dust and lint particles.  I was somewhat discouraged that perhaps I may have to reassemble my telescope.  After several minutes and focus attempts, I finally had a clear view!  It worked!!!  The moon was so large and beautiful!  I noticed the craters and crevices without any trouble. 
An astronomer from Lunt Solar Systems, Jerry Farrar, explained some of the research he has done on the sun.  He brought his mega-telescope which allowed us to view the moon, Saturn, and star clusters.  So BEAUTIFUL!  I tried to take a picture through his lens with my camera, but it did not work. Another teacher, however, took a picture of Saturn which I'll post on my blog. 

Then with just looking into the sky with our eyes, we also saw the space station floating across the sky.  I was surprised that it was large enough to see an actual shape.  It is my understanding that there are a few Russian scientists up there.  I think I heard someone say that the space station is about 100 miles from earth just above the earth's atmosphere.
 Here are just a few photos.



My New Telescope

Saturn!

Bugs Galore!

Tarantula Wasp
Up close and personal, these bugs are everywhere.  

Today, we learned about how to catch bugs in a safe way.  Even though it is not in our 5th grade standards.  There's got to be a way that we can study bugs in our curriculum.  Don't you think?  They are so interesting.  I'll have a bunch on display when we return to school.

The Scavanger Hunt

OMG! Yesterday, I went on a scavenger hunt which the Lead teachers called "The Amazing Biospherian Race."  It was the most strenuous experience of my life, plus it was a race.  I never watch that show, but perhaps I should start.  There were about 15 stations, but it felt like 40.  Like the game show on TV, we were given clues to figure out where we needed to go.  We were given a map of the Biosphere and away we went.  If you have been to the Biosphere, you know that climbing those steps is exhausting for just one trip.  But our group went up and down those steps at least 12 times, no kidding!  Huffing and puffing, we made our first station, and there was a Private Eye book with a jeweler's loop waiting for us.  Scientist and teachers love those tools.  At each station, we received something that we can use in the classroom.  But the Lead teachers made us work for them.  It wasn't easy.  At the last few stations, we received an IPod Touch and IPad2.  I was so elated!  These tools are just what I needed to use in the classroom, but, I did not know that at the time.  This is very new to me, and I'm excited to find out what possibilities this technology can bring to the classroom. Today, we are learning how to integrate some of the most interesting and useful APPs.  We will be using these tools to research data from the Biosphere.  Perhaps, I will be able to continue this research with my Fruchthendler students in the Fall.  I'm so excited!

Learning and having Fun

A Busy First Day

L. Koehler and Ebun Adeyemi having fun at B2

This has been an amazing first day!  From the time I arrived, everyone is excited to be here and helping each other bring in their luggage.  We learned quickly that we are to respect the wildlife which includes the insects.  The investigations today showed me that there is so much that we could be doing to conserve our resources.  I am making many contacts with people that are also great resources.  I can't wait to share them with my students.  

The Big Day

Well tomorrow is the BIG DAY!  I've completed last minute preparations.  I've gathered what I think I need to take to the Biosphere.  Of course, I'm taking my camera, phone, a new CD, my laptop, snacks, and lots of sunscreen.  I will be checking in tomorrow between 7 and 9AM.  My arrival will probably be closer to 7:30AM, because I'm anxious to check out the view from my room.  I'll post that also on my blog.  Remember to check back daily as I'll be posting some of my activities, pictures, and adventures.  Again, send me questions that you might have about what is going on at the Biosphere2.

Excitement and Adventures at the Biosphere

I am excited to participate at the Biosphere2 for the next two weeks (June 10-June 25) to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). I will be living at the Biosphere2 with more than forty 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers who have been chosen to be in the STEM program from different parts of Arizona. I hope to share my experiences with my students and the Fruchthendler community, as I explore, go on adventures, and inquire about the mysteries of our world. Check back often and ask as many questions as you want. Simply, this is going to be a really cool experience. I look forward to sharing what I learn!