Millenium park 30 June 2011

      Millenium Park is a sustainability resource in Chicago. As one of the largest city in the world, it provides a quiet space for working, listen to music and enjoy visiting  the surroundings.
Sustainability is getting by solar power as a way to obtain energy without causing environmental pollution. Also cycling and walking is a healthy way to enjoy visiting the park. There are a lot of trees and plants which provides fresh air and less polluted environment.           

 In the heart of Chicago, is the majestic Millennium Park, boasting a huge outdoor theatre. This beautiful and modern looking Jay Pritzker Pavillion  offers free concerts every day. It is the most wonderful experience to go with friends and relax enjoying a wonderful concert. Some people prefer to sit on the chairs in front.   
Others prefer to relax on the grass and picnic while having fun in interactive activities  and musical games for kids and family events.

 The water towers provide enjoyment to everybody.

 The great lakes provide a large space for walking in a quiet space and a beautiful view.

 If you are really into environmental affairs you can take a 20 minute guided walk  with Lurie Garden and learn about the garden's design, its native plants and how it all applies to he home garden.
 Taking a walk you can also enjoy the magnificence large-scale sculptures by the Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge including the Tree of Life on the North Boeing Gallery and the ironic spheres in the South.

 Incredible all in all  this space, it's a must-see.

June 29th

Today it has been a `hands on` day. We had two labs this morning. That was pretty fun. I was surprised to see all the display that the teachers brought to the class: big rulers, fresh eggs, rubber bands, plastic bags and a huge ladder!

The experiment was very well set up. They included a worksheet to register the data.
It was very funny trying to get the correct number of rubber bands to get a successful  egg jump.

The students can do it . In deed it would be better with tennis balls instead of with eggs.
Its a curious way to understand physics topics such us gravity, weight, high, resistance..

We can use this experience as an introduction in physic.

Simulations Membrane chanells 30 june 2011

We can use this simulation about the membrane channels in the first course of Secondary School.
They can explore through this simulation how the particles can move from one side of the membrane to the other. They will search How and Why. In this way they'll understand the transportation inter membrane.
As it is the first course, it must be an easy way for them to understand how the particles go inside the cell trough the membrane transport system.
Playing with this simulation  program they will be able to have a better understanding of the transportation mechanism into and out of the cell. They also can predict if a particle is going to go through depending on the type of channel such as leakage channel or gated channels. Also the number of them and the number of particles which go in and out of the cell.

So it's quite a good way for learning several topics: membrane channels, cell membrane and diffusion.

Regarding the frog dissection, it was quite interesting to see how the students was working. In fact, we can apply it to our classes. We already do it with fish or squid.

  For further information:
http://phet.colorado.edu/
http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/membrane-channels/membrane-channels_en.jnlp


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Lab experience 29 June 2011

It was very exciting!
Today working in a lab project!
Science lab will be teaching as a new experience for some of the students. Considering Science as a general issue it's very important the working environment. Most of the students has never been in a laboratory.
In deed they use only once a month or some of them have no the opportunity to work there.
So it's not time enough to work on it.
We must use the science lab as our main class where we have to stay with students. This will contribute to ensure a better understanding in Science. Also a better environment to get involved in.
In this way they will feel comfortable and learning will be easier for them.
As teacher I want for them a better understanding of Science and to incorporate their knowledge in their daily live.

What do we want from our students?

The most important thing about the bilingual programe is to have a clear idea about what we really want from our students.
As it is a new experience for them and for us, we have to start setting this statement.
First of all, we need a fluent communication between them and us.
We have to set a working environment.
Stablish the objetives.
The students must believe in our project, in deed it will be their project.
Second we have to work not only Science, but also improving their skills in reading, listening and writing in English language.
To sum it up, as far as we get the previous statments we'll get our goal:
 Bilingual education.

Starting 6/28/2011

That's an amazing experience. Working together for the bilingual programme.
In my opinion it's the best way to be in touch so many people.
Sharing experiences and knowledge.
Of course it will be good for teachers and for students.
We can post here  any documents, exercises or projects that could be interesting for all.
Regarding photos,  they are interesting for students.
I hope this blogg will be useful.