Making Observations

This week we started learning about some skills that scientists use. Being able to record accurate observations is one of these skills. Scientists need to record both qualitative and quantitative observations. Below are some photos showing students as they practice making observations.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Last week we were focusing on skills that would help us be successful middle schoolers...in science, on the playground, in PE, language arts, and every other aspect of school. The skills you learned will also be beneficial as a high schooler, college student, and adult. I know that several of you have already tried using a few of these skills and indicated that they have been helpful. It is my goal (begin with the end in mind!) to continue to re-visit these habits throughout the school year.

Did any of you hear something last week that really made you think about your life? Next time a difficult situation comes up, do you think you will handle it differently? Any thoughts about the 7 habits you'd like to share?

Don't let fear keep you from reaching your goals.

"You are the driver, not the passenger"

Today we talked about the importance of having a proactive attitude...taking responsiblity for your life and making things happen. We can only control how we respond to a situation, and cannot control what other people do. Listen to your language...are you being proactive, or reactive? Please share one time when you acted in a proactive manner. If you can't think of one, share a time when you were reactive...how could you have handled it differently?

This is an assignment. You must write your first name, last initial and period to receive credit. To get started, click on "comments" on the bottom right of this post.

Paradigms

We've been talking about the idea that we all see the world in different ways. There are times we view a situation different from the way our friend views the same situation. As a result, we sometimes find ourselves having a disagreement with our friends. If we could step back and look through our friends "glasses" we might be surprised how different things look.

Have you ever been in a situation where you had a shift in your paradigm (point of view)?