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Tuesday Tales – Robotics with Kathy Ceceri

Posted on October 15, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Some of the proudest moments as a parent have been watching my children learn to love and explore the world of science. NHL (10) and JSL (6) both adore doing science experiments, going to science museums, and reading about the wonders of the scientific world. Seeing the expression on their faces as they learn the how’s and why’s of items takes my breath away. If you do not get this, I’m sorry it may just be the geeky science teacher in me coming out

When we went to the Mini Maker Faire at Emma Willard over the weekend, I knew that we had to stop to see Kathy Ceceri. I have known Kathy online for quite a while and we often chat about the world of education, science, and other items like that. Kathy’s website, Crafts for Learning, highlights ways to make learning more fun. In addition to this, Kathy helped to create the Geek Mom blog and co-authored the book Geek Mom: Projects, Tips, and Adventures for Moms and Their 21st-Century Families. After we visited the TARDIS at the Maker Faire, we walked across the room to the Amazing Robotics area where Kathy book Robotics: Discover the Science and Technology of the Future was featured

The boys were a little hesitant at first. They were not sure if they were allowed to touch things. Then Kathy warmed them up. She showed them the different items and explained what they were. The kids were actively engaged, learning, and having fun. While they listened, TechyDad and I took at look at the book and knew that we had to purchase it. The items on the table were in the book and we knew that we would all want to try these again at home. I know the boys can not wait to try to build out own Tiny Robot Walker (Passive Dynamic Mini-Walker in the book). Kathy had one of these on display for the kids to check out and you can see a video she made of it here:

No doubt we will have more to share as we explore more of Kathy’s book and begin to make some of our own items from the Robotics book. Would your children like to explore robotics and make something at home? I would love to hear your thoughts. As always, Tuesday Tales is all about sharing our love of books. Please let me know what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else.

Disclosure: As noted above, we purchased the book from Kathy and admit to having her autograph it for the boys while we were there.

Categories:
books Educational local event Tuesday Tales

Smartphone Screen Glare

Posted on October 14, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Part of the reason I finally decided to ditch my dumb phone and get a smartphone, was to be connected. If I was out and about at a park, I could check in for an important email. When traveling, I would not have to worry about bringing my laptop and signing onto Wi-Fi. What I quickly realized with many of my phones was that just because you have your phone with you, it does not mean you will be able to use it. My troubles have had nothing to do with my 4G-LTE connection on Verizon Wireless, it was the screen glare associated with phones that I otherwise adored. There is nothing more annoying than missing a call or message and not being able to see if it was your child’s school calling because the lighting made it impossible. That is the reality that I have had with many different smartphones, including two previous Motorola Droids (Bionic and RAZR HD).

As part of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I recently received a new Motorola Droid Mini.

No stranger to the Droids, I quickly had the basics set up and was ready to head out with my family to the Emma Willard Marker Faire this weekend. It was an absolutely gorgeous autumn day. The sun was out and making it hard to see walking from location to location. Without thinking about it, I was able to use my Droid Mini to make a Vine, create a few collages to share on Instagram, and Tweet. When I missed a call, I was able to read the screen perfectly in the middle of a soccer field.

Even with the sun shining that you can clearly see in the photos above (taken on the Droid Mini), I was able to see everything. I did not have to shield my screen, twist my head, or hide under a tree for some shade. I was able to see everything. So while the boys were watching a Flying Pizza Box, I was able to use photos taken earlier in low lighting to share our TARDIS experience.

Yes, our Whovian family wore our Doctor Who shirts just for this occasion and the kids adored seeing the TARDIS created by Tech Valley Center of Gravity. It was a fun filled family day at Emma Willard where I got to know my new Droid Mini, Minnie, a little more. Thanks to this phone, I now know the importance of looking for a phone that can be used outside without the dreaded glare stare issues that so many phone suffer from. Now, while I wait outside of school, I can have confidence that I can check my email in any lighting situation.

Do you have glare issues with your smartphone? I would love to know how you battle this when you are out and about and need to use your phone.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I received the Motorola Droid Mini to test out and share ways that I use it in my life. There was no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Categories:
local event Technology

5th Annual Start Smart Field Day

Posted on September 19, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Sharing is caring and that is my feeling about local events that reach out to the community. The Addictions Care Center of Albany is having their Start Smart Field Day on Saturday, September 28. It is completely free for families to attend and will have a wide variety of items for kids of all ages to participate in. This event will help to kick off ACCA’s prevention education programs in Albany County schools.

If you are not familiar with ACCA, they provide programs on substance abuse prevention and bullying awareness. Their current prevention programs include:

In addition to this they deliver interactive workshops and presentations around the area on the following topics:

Bullying Prevention: Take a Stand, Lend a Hand
Cyberbullying: The Wave of the Future
Alcohol Awareness: Myths & Facts
Addiction Awareness: Signs & Symptoms of a Deadly Disease
Current Trends in Substance Abuse

The timing of these events are wonderful to spread the word about their services before October and National Bullying Prevention Month.

National Bullying Prevention Month

I applaud ACCA for coming up with programs that embrace literacy as a primary focus in helping children. You can read more about that on their website. So if you happen to be in the Albany area on September 28 from 11 am – 3 pm, please think about heading over to this family friendly event to support this organization that works to help our community.

Categories:
Educational local event

Favorite Dinosaurs

Posted on June 28, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

On Tuesday morning, NHL had his braces put on his teeth. To help distract him for a little while, the boys and I went to miSci to explore some of the new exhibits for an hour. While the Dinosaurs! area was not technically open, many of the sections were able to be seen while we were there.

We roamed around and the boys had their photos taken with triceratops together. Then, JSL put his head into T-Rex’s mouth. It was either time for his dental exam or he was making the kiddo lunch. We saw a few more of the areas that were visible. At the time, Instagram video was not working, so I made this Vine to share.

A few of the areas were still roped off until the member preview on Thursday evening and the official opening on June 29.

We went to the members preview and we had a wonderful time looking at all of the dinosaurs. While we had technically seen them three years ago while visiting the Buffalo Museum of Science, it was interesting to see them in different areas of miSci in Schenectady. More video and photos to come as I go through the photos and we head back to visit them again when it is a bit less crowded over the next few months.

So my question to you this week is inspired by the new exhibit:

What are the favorite dinosaurs and why? Perhaps you wrote a report in school as a child, or your son/daughter likes one for a special reason.

It's Me
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Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha #244

Categories:
Aloha Friday Educational Local Business local event

One Voice United Rally on June 8

Posted on May 23, 2013 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

I am a teacher. That is what I tell people when they ask me what I do. While I may not be in a classroom at this moment, the educator in me is constantly working. Lesson plan ideas, classroom management concepts, and fun facts are always running through my mind.

The reality is I miss many items outside of my own classroom. I miss…

being in a classroom and watching children learn
seeing the smiles on a child’s face when he/she learns a new concept and they are so proud
creating inventive ways to help different children to reach their academic potentials
being part of an educational community as a teacher
working side by side with other amazing educational professionals

Unfortunately, the world of education has changed a lot over the last 5-10 years. The Race to the Top funding and the push for Common Core Curriculum has caused a dramatic shift in what classroom time looks like. Children in New York State and around the country are constantly getting ready for one test or another, taking one of what seems like a million tests, or being stressed about what their test results may mean for their schools/teachers. The reality is that your children and mine are paying the price. Creative and authentic learning environments are a thing of the past. We are teaching to the tests. Kids are becoming little robots that are taught how to highlight key phrases, pull apart a topic, and answer questions that may not even have a correct choice.

I have a lot more to say on this topic, but right now I am biting my tongue a bit. Rather than rant and rave here, I am working with parents and teachers to get the word out. I want our voices to be heard. Thanks to this, my family will be joining others on June 8 at the Empire State Plaza for the One Voice United Rally Together. Why rally? Here is a video from Peter DeWitt on the NYSUT website that answers the question.

As an educator, tax payer, and most importantly a parent I will be there with my entire family showing my boys that I will fight for their right to the education that they deserve. My children are more than a number. My 4th grader should not lose eight days to the ELA, Math, and Science tests, plus other hours for benchmark exams, and countless days spent preparing for these high stakes test. I should not have to hear my KINDERGARTENER come home worried about a test that he took on a computer. He should not fear tests and have to worry about this as he starts out his academic journey. His focus should be on reading, writing, learning math concepts, making friends, and enjoying school. Sad to say, his teachers are not to blame.

New York State needs to wake up, see what they are doing to our children and stop the insanity. For more information about the rally on June 8, please head to the information page from NYSUT. I will leave you with this PDF from NYSUT about the rally that you can download and share with others here.