It is time to learn about Binomial Nomenclature!  As we study animals (more specifically the critters of the Mighty Amazon) it becomes clear that just calling them by their colloquial names is not quite acceptable. 

There are seven levels of classification, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.  The Black Bear is of the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae, Genus Ursus and the Species Americanus. 

As we are close upon the half-way point of the year (end of the second quarter) and the snow of December has melted into sheets of dirty ice, exciting things are beginning to happen in 117.  The weather unit for science has been tested and put to bed to the relief of students and teacher alike.  While I enjoy the weather, and see it as a marvelous nucleation point for education, it is not always a favorite for students with little to no connection to nature.  It can be quite difficult to find that connection in the depths of a New York City cold snap.

In science we have been learning about the weather, where it comes from where it goes and how we measure it. 

Yesterday we finished up a project where the students drew a water cycle and labled evaporation and condensation as well as the hydrosphere.  They should make a nice addition to our impending bulliten board. 

Thanksgiving is, sadly, over and it is time for a long slog towards the next vactaion.  Between then and now there is much to learn, more to review and homework to conquor. 

Waldo has made an apperance in our classroom, and as sneaky as he is, we seem to be able to find him on a regular basis; it stands as a testament to our teamwork and tennacity. 

I recently went to GLOBE training and have brought Archimedes Academy into a world wide network of data gatherers for scientific data.  The thought behind GLOBE schools is to show students real world aplications for science and math using hands on, real world protocols.  Students data is entered into an international database to be mined by other students and scientists around the world. 

Mr. Andy and I are in Queens getting all kinds of cool training in GLOBE teaching techniques.  So far we have been served some excellent bagels with a lox based cream cheese, and yesterday there were 12 feet of hero comprising both chicken cutlets for 6 feet and a delectable tuna salad (with celery) for the other 6 feet.  After lunch we went outside to study clouds and learn how to set up our immenent weather station. 

Hi kids!  This is my blog where I will be posting content for class!