Where has the summer gone?

Hi crew! As you may have noticed, I am incredibly behind on our assignments. I have been working a lot this summer, especially on Wednesdays and have been out a town more than I had planned. I'm going to try and catch up! The prezi presentation was fun to do although I only really discovered the basics. I'd like to learn more about it. I agree that they are more entertaining than powerpoint presentations. Does anyone know how to add sound as well? It also took me awhile to learn how to embed it into my blog. I also created my moundsviewschools YouTube channel. My name is MsPihlajaEW and I uploaded my very first YouTube video that was used in the Prezi presentation. I am eager to have the kids do some videos and be able to upload them. I am off to work on another assignments. Any feedback is appreciated! Monica

My first Prezi - STEAM class

What is so great about composting? on Prezi

SES summer camp

I spent a few days working with students in District 196.  I worked with English Language Learners in elementary grades.  The summer camp was held at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley.  The students had a blast learning about gardening and where food comes from.  Then they decorated their own pots and each planted a pepper plant to take home.  We learned about composting and met the worms that make it happen.

Some of my favorite quotes:
Working with a fourth grade student:
"Okay kids, we only have about 5 more minutes of decorating our pots and then we have to clean up."
"Awww man!  I just realized how fun this was!"

When planting our pepper plants, a second grader says, "I have a bees nest by my house."
"Oh, are you afraid of it?"
"Well, I used to be but then I was glad they are there because now they can pollenize my plants."

The students loved working with hands on activities and learning about the garden.  I have attached some pictures of the garden.  It is the model I have based our STEAM community garden on.

My mini garden...

Our first attempt at gardening...

Michael Pollan's Food Rules