1) The document discusses a science teacher's use of blogging to connect students to class content, extend learning experiences, inform parents, and showcase student work. 2) The blog is used to connect students to engaging content related to topics covered in class, keep parents informed of class activities like dissections, and allow students to demonstrate their knowledge through activities and podcasts. 3) The teacher seeks ways to improve blog use, such as encouraging more student posting and journaling, and initiating other class blogs to further engage students in science.

1. Blogging and the MS Science Classroom Jim Forde Scofield Magnet MS http://mrforde.blogspot.com --- [email_address]

2. Introduction Jim Forde - 7th Grade Life Science Scofield Magnet MS - Stamford, CT 600+ kids in 2 cogs/teams per grade http://magnetmiddle.org

3. What is a blog? Blogger.com states… “A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.” It is, simply put, a We b-log .

5. How is my blog being used? As a way to connect kids to content related to the topics we are covering. • Cornell notes link • Postings to engaging content that relate to topics being covered in class <3/30 Dig Sstem movie - 1/14 Karyotype game>

6. How is my blog being used? 2) A way to extend an experience . • Wall-e postings • Driving up our heart rates…activity.

7. How is my blog being used? 3) Keeping parents informed of what we are doing in class. Chicken wing dissection post Candy DNA project

8. How is my blog being used? 4) Connect to interesting science news . 2/21 - Name NASA node 1/2 - Turtles and their shells?

9. How is my blog being used? 5) Have students showcase their products or knowledge . 12/18 -Mitosis demo 12/11 -Cell Wanted Posters Podcasts

10. How is my blog being used? 6) Get them thinking and communicating. 11/30 - Diffusion image 11/09 - Photomicrographs 10/16 grass seed experiment 10/7 - Elodea tank?

11. How is my blog being used? 7) Supporting Community Service. http://terrapinkids.blogspot.com • Games, Raps, Polls, Video clips, Raising Awareness, Google Earth, Connecting with Experts!

12. How is my blog being used? 8) Get them to have fun . 8/1 - Diffusion image 8/16 - Photomicrographs

13. What do my kids think?

14. How could it be used? • As a place to post work more often. (cut paste) • As a place to publicly journal ideas. • As a place for kids to initiate their own posts • Other blogs…. (see handout) • Your ideas???

15. How can you get involved? Let’s make a blog! 1) Blogger .com 2) “create a blog” 3) Chose a Template 4) Start Blogging! 5) Let’s add…. posting, gadgets, photo

16. Issues and concerns Posting content District level regulations Student anonymity Equity Cost and time? Blogger is only one of MANY!

17. Questions?