New Charter School

Long ago I dreamed of an elementary school where learning would incorporate the outside world; where  children's individual learning styles and strengths would be addressed. Knowledge would come from connecting subjects to each other and as well as practical life skills. All learning would be hands-on and developmentally appropriate. Self esteem would be the natural result of accomplishment. An appreciation of what others have to offer would build character and cooperation. I have experienced much of this all ready at Timber Ridge Elementary in East Cobb. It was a new school at the time and Mary K. Widener was the principal who chose the finest staff for her school that I have ever had the privilege to work along side.  I am still in contact, almost 20 years later,  with many of the teachers who held this dream and the principal who took the best of us and made us better.

Once again there is a dream school that is going to be born. It will be called Chattahoochee Hills Charter School and will reside in the beautiful countryside of South Fulton county boarding on Coweta, Carroll and Fayette counties. I can't wait to see it happen and to demonstrate what difference a really good education can make to children. It will incorporate the environment, agriculture and the arts using the best proven curriculum practices of education. Watch for us make the dream come true!

Creating Science Curriculum

I've been asked many times where the ideas for my programs come from. The answer is a combination  of places: Research, collaborating with other creative classroom teachers and mostly just keeping in touch with the magic in the world. Yes, I said "magic". Not a very scientific term but one that every child understands. Don't get me wrong, writing curriculum is hard work. It takes me months to write a program. Some flow smoothly from the beginning and others are excruciatingly difficult.

I usually start with the "bones" or science standards. Then the process begins. I keep what needs to be done tucked in my mind. I remain open to anything that remotely is related to the topic, even though I'm not sure at the time, how it relates. Then the research starts. What is out there? What has already been done? Is there something good that just needs refinement? (Chain-Chain-Chain) Is there a way to present difficult information that simplifies it and makes it memorable? (CELL-ebrate and Naturally Newton) What information is new? (Mag-lev trains, lasagna composting, DNA switches)  All this goes into the "pot", kind of like the book, Stone Soup. Then I usually get very quiet, either outside in nature or in my own head. Next thing I know the "magic" starts to put things together. I know when I'm headed in the right direction when I start smiling to myself and anticipate the children feeling good about themselves as they are doing the experiments. If our talented scientists and teachers say, "Yes". The program is on its way.

Some of my favorite programs I wrote from ground zero are, Home on the Biome, Soil Safari, This Planet Rocks, Give Me Shelter and Oceans in Motion.

Measurement Rules was one that was excruciating but has met with good reviews. Let me know which is your personal favorite, changes you would like to see, and what if anything you would like in the future. I love when the magic happens. Just give me a reason find it again. 

Why Choose The Science Place?

I know you have other choices for hands-on science enrichment and you may believe that cheaper prices and “copy-cat” programs are sometimes tempting. Please consider, if you will, the future environment your students will be entering, where small advantages will determine their futures.

• The Science Place uses only certified elementary teachers to present all programs. Many have advanced degrees in either education or science. They understand the challenges of classroom teachers in regard to time, money and need to meet and exceed SOL test standards.

• Our scientists need to be caring and respectful of the children they encounter and believe in your students’ ability to understand information that is presented in a concrete, hands-on approach.

• I continually check past science tests and evaluate the programs to meet the needs with new and improved experiments. Many of the ideas for improvements come from our scientists and the teachers who invite us into their classroom.

• Materials are constantly upgraded and inspected and in the best condition and the best currently available.

• Our on- staff scientist (PhD) that reviews programs for accuracy and provides new science information as scientific advances and technology continue to evolve.

I trust you agree, your students deserve the best possible education you can provide. Thank you for considering The Science Place as your resource for hands on science.

Know Your Audience!

When writing programs to fit SOL's, it's always good to be reminded who the audience is and why it's so much fun doing this. My sister shared this with me and I'm passing it along to you.

IF you need a good laugh, try reading through these children's science exam answers. You will soon understand why the concrete, hands-on experience is so vital for young children's understanding of their world.

Q: Name the four seasons.
A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink.

A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.

Q: How is dew formed?
A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.

Q: How can you delay milk turning sour?
A: Keep it in the cow.

Q: What causes the tides in the oceans?
A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.