last entry

Guilty of not updating.

But I have finished my term long project.

In total, I have taught 2 senior lessons, 1 freshman lesson and 3 third-grade lessons.
It was a lot of fun and the experience has taught me a lot. I've learned to have a bit more patience, especially with the younger children.

I put up the bulletin board in one of the corners of the school and it looks a lot better than how it was before. I hope it catches some more attention.

Lastly, I put together a short video/dvd on my overall project. I also did not realize how difficult it is to put together a video. I learned that the video, audio, and text run on different tracks. Therefore, if i insert another video, my audio and text fall behind in the film. It was pretty frustrating but I am satisfied with my end product.


This experience truly taught me a lot. If i had to redo this project, I'm sure i would have- I probably would want to do more.

As a future career, I dont believe i wish to be a teacher or environmentalist. Although I do believe I am capable of speaking infront of a large group of people, I dont think i would be able to handle teaching- AT ALL. I've gained a greater respect for teachers because it is truly difficult for one to stand up infront of 30 students who are loud and obnoxious.

May 4, 2008

Okay. So it really has been a long time since I last updated but I promise, much has happened.

I've been very busy with AP studying and other such and such. Playoffs are coming up real soon.
--

Over Spring break, I taught third graders at NYCAC [New york christian alliance church] in chinatown, ny. It was a really fun experience. This is not my church, so I do not know the children I taught. They all responded actively and seemed very interested in what I had to say. it was a group of 15 third graders. I taught 3 times. The last lesson was an interactive lesson where I brought items and three trash bins. They had to sort out their own garbage.

The teaching part of project is finished.
At the end,
-2 Senior lessons
-1 Freshmen lesson
-3 Third Grade lessons


Now I am waiting until my AP is over [tuesday] and then I'll go to work on the bulletin board on the 4th floor.

I also want to write an analysis paper and create a PSA or commercial of some sort about recycling or the environment. I HAVE 23 DAYS !

Wednesday

Today was the last WISE class with Ms. Gamba. I taught the class one more lesson on what goes in which colored bin. It was easy and interesting. We all had fun.


It is much easier to teach senior students than freshmen students. I also got the borders and started cutting out pictures and such for the bulletin board.

I also must create a PSA or quick skit/video on recycling.

My goal has changed many times since February.

Week whatever

So I havent been making a habit to update.

The following week after I taught my wise class, I taught Mr. Rumpolo's freshmen class. I found it quite difficult. It was much harder to teach freshmen and/or gain their attention. I felt like they wanted to learn but they asked many many questions and talked while others spoke. They lacked much respect for one another or for the teacher. It was a bad experience but it's an experience nonetheless.

I want to teach my WISE class one more lesson. My only chance is this Wednesday because it will be the last time we're meeting as a class until the presentations. I guess i'll have to create a whole new lesson. We'll see if i can get it done in time.

Both lessons lasted about a good 25-40 minutes. The freshmen class took longer to gain their attention inbetween statements. I suppose the first time you do a presentation, it's always better the first time. I guess that is totally true because my freshmen class lesson SUCKED. I acted different an I asked questions that I wasnt sure of the answers. Smart me.

The bulletin board. Yes.
68" x 24"
-How much water do you use
-Did you know? facts
-Little things MIDWOOD can do.
-??

and i dont know what else.

Thursday

It has been a week since the last update, but yesterday I finally had my first lesson.

I taught my senior WISE class. It was a new experience and it taught me a couple of things. One must always be energetic when teaching a class. The your attitude reflects the topic you are teaching. It was a fun lesson. I went through an intro, briefing, and an exercise. I also put foward the idea that students do know more about the simpsons than environmental science.

It is quite difficult to control a class. I suppose I had to regain control of the class a couple of times but this was only because they were expressing their "wow"s about the topic. I'll post up my complete lesson another time.

I took some pictures- as proof- and overall it was a good experience. I don't believe I was that nervous- perhaps because it was my own classmates but I may be much more nervous about teaching the freshmen. My senior class knew a couple of facts but I believe i taught them enough.

I believe i accomplished something yesterday.
New realization: being loud and upbeat really helps the class to focus.

Tues.Weds.Thurs.

I feel like I have so much going on.

But these days I feel a bit more organized.

RECYCLING IS THE TOPIC !
FOR SURE !

Finally. I'm finding a lot of information on recycling. This is helping me a lot.

Half way through planning the first lesson i hope.
Not much free time before I have to head out for practice so I'll be getting back to work.

This upcoming weds is the day i'll be presenting to my senior wise class. Hope this goes well.

Monday

Okay. Project took a turn.

I talked to Rumpolo about my situation. I really felt like there was a lot to cover while teaching the students about environmental science. So we decided that I should focus on one aspect. I chose waste management and recycling. I think this would be most appropriate for city/urban students.

I realized that this is one aspect of environmental science that is still very vague to me. I need to read up on it and learn it myself first.

APRIL 2nd- teaching WISE class.
So i better get started.

Thurs

I've realized that I've gotten pretty frustrated with this project. As I attempt to make the first lesson for the class, I find myself pretty frustrated. I can't seem to get started. I guess the first lesson is always the hardest isn't it?

WISE meeting on monday this week so it should be a good time to talk to Gamba about the project. Rumpolo as well.

I'm pretty worried about this project. I feel like my time is going by really fast and I cant get seem to get started.

Lesson 1- Environmental problems- true/false.
Lesson 2- Global warming- what can you do?
Lesson 3- Recycling?
Lesson 4- Other environmental problems/issues that are not as widely talked about.
Lesson 5- ?? Wrap up?


Lost in this project.

mon.tues.weds

I feel as if I've neglected this project so much. probably because i have.
Personal problems are really getting in the way.


-
I'm trying to create my first lesson. First lesson being on the topic of environmental science and global warming. There's a lot to global warming, i need to re-study it all. I think I have a list of easy-to-do things to help global warming.


MUST GET BACK TO WORKINGGG.


New revelations: i'm a procrastinator.

weds.thurs.friday

So, I attended the WISE meeting on wednesday. It wasn't anything special, we just chose our days of presentation. I really wanted to present first but I have AP exams so i can't. =(

I also talked to Ms. Gamba about helping me get on schedule. I never thought of myself as a procrastinator. I never was. Apparently I am.


I'm gunna review all the surveys and start on this. I must get started.

I also borrowed another book from the library, Pollution. It's actually not that bad. I read 40 pages without knowing it.


Personal problems suck. They are very distracting.

Day 32

Yay. I returned the library book.

Alright. I have to start with the environmental brochures. I think these brochures should be more about what the students and their families can do more than just information because they can find information in textbooks.

TO DO LIST.
-Talk to Ms. Gamba about being able to teach a class. I think if i actually had a date that something was due, I'd get myself started better.
-Brainstorm brochures.


-
Note.
Midwood librarian refuses to believe this blog is for school purposes.
Lectured about using this computer for non-homework purposes.
Who listens to students anyways.

Days 25-31

Past week: personal stuff, sick and such.

Tuesday Day 25:
Today I went to Rumpolo's 8th period class and gave out the survey. I introduced myself and spoke infront of the class briefly about environmental issues. I talked about what my project was really about and it was a bit scary, but I lived. I handed out the surveys and I realized how difficult it is to get the class's attention when they are busy talking. I began to feel sympathy for teachers who cannot gain control of their class and I really don't understand how they do it. They must have some remarkable skill to get the FULL attention of these freshmen.

Mr. Rumpolo also gave out the survey to his 10th period class and they filled it out as well.
I found it interesting that when I asked the class, "Who knows anything about the environmental issues today? ANYTHING?" Not one person answered but then when the surveys were returned, many of them said that on a scale from 1-5, they would say they have the knowledge of level 3. Interesting.


Wednesday Day 26:
WISE meeting today. Some commercial from DEVRY came by and talked to us about future career paths. Although my final result was not agreeable, it was still fun. My reading said, OBSERVER: You are sponateous and you have an easy going nature. NOW THAT'S FUNNY.
I also gave out my survey to be filled out by the WISE class, a group of seniors.

Thursday and on : sick and such. Life's great.

NOTE TO SELF. RETURN THAT LIBRARY BOOK ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE!

Day 24

So, as I was so HARSHLY asked by Rumpolo, I finished and brought in the Environmental Survey. It was a simple selection of questions that were fairly simple and to the point. It's just an easy way to collect some data. With this info, i should be able to create some kind of histogram or chart to show the data. About the idea that I had about visiting different levels of children, I don't think it's possible because most schools apparently are very unfriendly. With or without the note, I wont be able to survey the children directly. Maybe I can ask a friend's younger brother or sister to help me give it to his class.

I should be able to make multiple copies of the survey and distribute to Rumpolo's biology classes. I wanted to give it out to my WISE class but I believe there is a workshop this Wednesday so maybe I'll wait till the next Wednesday but that wouldn't be very convenient.

I gathered more pictures on my camera today of pollution in our everyday lives. I should have an okay collection by the end of this project.

Note to self: speak to Ms. Gamba about taking one of the days of regular WISE class to teach the class about environmental science. Perhaps I can take all the most important issue and put it into one HUGE. FAST. crash course. And, if I keep forgetting to hunt her down and ask her for permission, maybe she'll read this and give me an answer. lol.

Maybe I should start on the brochures soon, it might be helpful during the crash courses? I also needed to talk to the journalism teacher about possibly getting an article published in ARGUS, Midwood's school newspaper, about the topic, hoping to raise awareness.

Oy. Too much to do.

Day 21, 22, 23

Wow, I've been lazy.

Wednesday:
Today was the weekly WISE meething with our regular teachers. It wasn't insightful, fun, or interesting, but hey- it's required. I asked Ms. Gamba for a note to give to the school's I'm hoping to visit and survey. Incase I haven't written about this before, I wanted to survey children of different ages [4th, 7th, 9th and 12th graders.] I hope to have positive and significant results.

Thursday:
I checked another book out of the school library. This one is more insightful. It has more interesting facts and statistics about environmental science. I wanted to start with a lesson based on Air pollution because it is one of the most important things we need to live but Rumpolo suggested that I begin with Environmental science as a whole for the first real lesson. He makes a good point so I'll follow his suggestion. I read a couple sections of the book without realizing that pages passed so easily. I guess that means the book was interesting.

Friday:
I met with Rumpolo again today. I asked him for the environmental textbook that I used last year in AP Environmental Science so that i could use it as a reference. My old AP outlines should be helpful as well. I really wish i hadn't thrown out my AP prep book.

I also asked Rumpolo to be stricter with me as his "protege" -_-.
So, in response, I am to have my survey complete and done for his freshmen biology class by monday.

IT HAS BEEN A MONTH SINCE THIS PROJECT STARTED. Planning for a month sounds like a decent amount of time. Now it's time to get started.

Interesting fact: Traffic fumes decrease the reproductive success of sperm.

Day 20

So I started the survey today. I'll try to meet with Rumpolo tomorrow to discuss what other questions to put on the survey but so far, it's pretty simple. [how well do they believe they know about environmental science, whats the first thing that comes to mind, name 5 issues, etc]

There really isn't much to update with today.
WISE class tomorrow. It's been a while.

lets see how that goes.

Lost Track of Day #

Lol. Well, i just don't want to calculate what day it is.

Mentor meeting with Rumpolo today and it was okay. We discussed some issues that I had with my project and I think I've came to my decision.

I will teach 5-6 crash courses on environmental problems.
Explain to the students, why, how and what we can do. Hopefully this will expand their knowledge better than a work assignment.

I'm making the brochures and will hopefully, be reproducing them to give out to other students.

I will create a survey or pretest/posttest for the freshmen and possibly some seniors.
-results will be taillied.

The video, is still unknown about but we'll see how that goes.

The bulletin board should not be that difficult to create and fix up.

-There's definitely a lot to do.
NEXT STEP: create survey.

Mid-Winter Break 2

So this break has been long and slightly unproductive.

During my week off, I carried my camera with me as I went out. There were many sightings of items and companies that wanted to help our environment. Unfortunately, I don't believe they are making much of a dent but, i guess it's worth a shot. Companies like poland spring and stores like 7-11 or claires are making a small effort.

I also found that staples, certain staples, have stopped carrying recycled paper. I went into a staples in brooklyn and at first, i thought "wow. they actually sold out of recycled paper?! THATS GREAT." But then one of the workers offered their assistance and i asked him if they had any more recycled paper. He said "Oh no. We stopped carrying that a month ago. They weren't selling much so we took it off the shelves. You can always go on the staples website to order it if you wish." How terrific, they make recycled products even MORE unobtainable.

This project has been annoying me a bit over this break. It was always in the back of my mind. I feel a bit lost over this project and of course, i'm nervous about teaching the first lesson. Instead of making the students make the brouchures, I was thinking that I should just teach them a crash course on the topic. Five 45-minute crash courses. Sometimes i think that if they were to make the brochures, that the rest of the class wouldn't learn much from it. 5 students would know about pesticides while others wouldnt.

^ That reminds me.
There was that big snow storm the other night and the next morning, all you could hear outside was the shoveling of snow. Now, as i was walking down the streets i came to a realization. PEOPLE USE A LOT OF SALT AFTER SHOVELING. I wonder if its causing another problem. On some of the sidewalks, i felt like i was walking on sand.

This post has been such a rant but I guess that's the best way to express what I've really experienced over this break.

TO DO LIST
-Talk to Rumpolo about which way to go for the project. Crash course or class project.
-Start brainstorming for the video.
-Talk to the school about giving out brochures in the school library.
-Brainstorm about bulletin board to expand attention about environmental problems.

Mid-Winter Break

Update.


Will update w/ 1 long entry at the end of this week.

Day 12

God, I hate that I am not dedicated right now.

Valentines day, worked all day. Working at Godiva Chocolatier isn't that great on Valentines. Customers are annoying.

Stayed overtime at work.
Just got home.

Shower
study
sleep.
sorry.

Day 11

I've noticed that I've written at 10:30 for the past three days.

The book, Taking sides -Clashing views on Controversial Environmental Issues, is not very insightful. At least it is not as insightful as I hoped it would be. I guess I'll use this as one of my sources or maybe I'll refer back to this book sometime, but for now- it's going to be returned back to the library. Disappointing book. I flipped inbetween articles and statements but I doubt I'll be reading anymore of this book.

It would probably be a good idea to use this vacation to really sit down and think about this project. God, I'm so not hardworking. lol.

The first lesson should take place the week we return from the break.

Day 10

So we had our first mentor meeting today. It was okay and the two periods went by easily. I didn't seem to learn much because it felt like Ms. Gamba already told us everything we needed to know for this project.

I went to the school library today and I made a discovery. There is a WHOLE SHELF of books on environmental science. I realized that through all the years of being in the midwood library, I've never wandered through the little areas on the sides where the BOOKS are. Well, my second discovery was that all the books are in almost completely new condition. What a sign.

I haven't started reading yet. These work days are killing me. In a couple of weeks, I'll be done with my job so hopefully, I can get myself to focus better on my project. There are too many things I want to do for this project.

Over-achiever-ism is a disease.

Day 9

Whoa. I admit, I'm totally losing track of time and this project. First marking period is ending soon which means I have less time than I think for this project. Must refocus.

I was thinking about creating a quick survey about environmental facts to see how many people can get 50% correct. I asked a group of friends today if they think of overpopulation as an environmental issue and they said no. I guess I was right.

In over my head with this project? I hope not.
Must visit the mentor tomorrow.

Day 7 & 8

Day 7
-School.
-dmv, AGAIN because I never received my permit in the mail. Paid an extra $15 to have it reprinted and sent out - even though it was not my fault.
-Work- I HATE CUSTOMERS.
-Home at 12am- because trains are super gay. YES THOSE ENVIRONMENTALLY HELPFUL TRAINS ARE GAY.
-Sleep.

Sorry time or care for update.
---

Day 8

I seem to be finding myself to be very busy. I haven't filled out my stuff for my midyear reports yet. I've been leaching off looseleaf from other people because I cant seem to find any looseleaf in these pharmacies that are of decent quality. Staples have been making some shit paper too- AND THEY ARENT EVEN RECYCLED. NOT A BIT. Good job staples.

Well, it's still early in my day. Let's see how far I get with homework, stuff, and project ideas.

Day 6

Today, I sat in on Mr. Rumpolo's 8th period class. It is not as bad as I expected them to be. They were ACTUALLY responsive students and they actively participated in the discussions. It almost seems possible now to carry out this project. I spent my free periods today creating a list of 6 topics [with multiple sub-topics under each topic] to assign to the students. I also started on the outline for the project (basically it's a sheet with all the questions to be answered and such.] Maybe I'll post it up on this site another day because I'm too lazy to take the flashdrive out of my bag and connect it to my computer.

I will probably be doing the project with the class.
My topic will probably be overpopulation. =D

Day 5

Rain check on today's sit in on Mr. Rumpolo's 8th period class. I got called in for work.


I received the flashdrive back from my AP Statistics teacher. It was in a "Did you know?" format. It was very interesting to rewatch. Mr. Rumpolo also showed me another video about how technology is taking over our lives. This all just gives me more inspiration to make an interesting video instead of a quick slideshow. I have to put some more thought into this.

Day 4

About that video that my AP Statistics teacher was showing, I gave him a flash drive today to transfer the file. I hope the class will be interested in watching the small clip. Tomorrow I should be sitting in on Mr. Rumpolo's 8th period class and just observing how they act in class. This way I will be able to shape the class lessons around their behavior instead of their age. Hopefully, they act better than their age.

Random note. I saw the base of a tree on the side walk that was littered with 387937543 cigarette buds.

... yay.

Day 3

[Friday, February 1, 2008]

I had my first, of many, meetings with Mr. Rumpolo today. I wrote out my Freshman Class Goals along with My Project Goals. We touched on all of my ideas and he didn't seem to have much of a problem with any of them. Next week I will find a day to stay until 8th period to sit-in on his freshmen biology class. I have high hopes for this project. I know my vision will probably be altered and the finished product wont come out the way I want it but we won't know unless I try.

I believe my first lesson will probably deal with introducing environmental science along with a quick game of "truth or myth."

Day 2

Today's class was not that insightful or worth my time but the homework assignment was. We were assigned a paper on what the focus of our project would be. Many people complained but it was not a difficult assignment at all. If you have put thought into your project, it should not be difficult to write 2 pages double spaced. If you have not put thought into your project, well, this is your chance. It is a good thing that this paper was forced upon us because this way, everybody will know enough about what their project consists of- or at least 2 pages worth of what it consists of.

I realized through writing this paper that I must organize myself better. I need to make lesson plans for the freshmen and I must get my thoughts straightened out on paper for when I meet with Mr. Rumpolo. I also came up with a few new ideas for my project. I have too many ideas for this project so I think I need to cut down what I can accomplish from what I want to accomplish.

Day 1

This term, I have a 1-5 schedule with a 2nd period FREE. I realized that I could use my 2nd period in the library to work on my project, as well. I talked to my mentor, Mr. Rumpolo, about the weekly meetings and we decided on either 2nd or 5th period, once a week.

In my 1st period AP statistics class, we watched a video called SHIFT CHANGES. It was 8 minutes long and the first couple of minutes showed some quick and funny, yet serious, statistics relating to the number of people in the world. I asked him about where I may find access to this video and he suggested that I bring in a flash drive [so I can steal it directly from his laptop.] Many people don't see overpopulation as an environmental issue but it probably is one of the most serious problems. The video isnt an environmental clip but it's phrased in a witty, understandable manner.

I have the basic idea of my project in my head. I must get it down on paper before I speak with Mr. Rumpolo.