Tales from the science classroom

This is sadly too true. With 11 days left of classes, everyone is getting squirrely. Just a few more days!!!! But lots of things have happened this year and a couple of them just recently so I thought it was time for a recap. First, I really think my meditation practice has helped in my teaching. I don't get angry at the students like I used to. I still get frustrated, but I can see that for what it is and don't take it out on them. I'm a lot more patient with them, a lot! But it has also brought up some things that do frustrate me that are entirely my fault. So I need to work on changing those over the summer. I believe that my meditation has also made me more confident in my teaching. For the first time in 10 years, I feel like I know what I'm doing. I'm confident in my decisions, I can stand up to any teacher and compare methods/lesson plans/etc. This doesn't mean I think I'm perfect, far from it. I am constantly learning and growing as a teacher, ...

There are only 12 days left of school. I cannot wait. I am tired and worn out and just so ready for this to be over.  I'm not sure if it's getting worse as the years go by or if I just don't remember it from year to year. One thing I will say is this year has gone fast. Seriously. It does not seem like 8 months since we started. Crazy. In other news, I'm really reflecting back on this year and there are things that I need to change.  I'm also putting some things in place that really should be there. I'm organizing the chemical storage. I have enough chemicals now that the way they are stored becomes important, so I'm going to fix that this summer. I'm also putting together the MSDS, disposal procedures, and a chemical hygiene plan.  That will keep me busy over the summer. AP is revamping the courses and I will have to work on those over the summer too. Not looking forward to that. The worst part is the full course is not available until August 1s...