The Traffic is Down, The Livin' is Easy

To mix metaphors.

I can see from the traffic patterns that summer doldrums have set in. Not with me, but many of the usual readers are playing hooky...so I'll just have to be both more enthralling than playtime activities, and more attuned to what readers want to focus on.

One thing I want to post on this summer is how to do things in blogs that enhance traffic. Those of you who are also bloggers may find those interesting.

For example, I just made a linked post, that took my traffic on Technology in Teaching (TeacherLingo version) to this site. That way, I can benefit from the higher traffic there to build the traffic here.

Another thing I'd like to spend more time on is techniques and strategies to enhance classroom management for improved student performance. Suggestions gladly accepted.

The technology of science is rapidly changing. Texas Instruments has released its new graphing handheld, and it's a doozie.

I'm still quietly exploring the worlds of podcasting and videocasting/videoconferencing. I had a few setbacks - a kid snagged my Ipod, my MAC had to be re-installed after I screwed up installing Boot Camp (I really must learn to read the manual), and I hurt my back this spring in an auto accident.

Things are better now. My life seems to be settling down, and I'm beginning to see daylight. I'll be setting up a 2-3 times a week schedule for posting - catch me at Technology in Teaching, and I'll see you there.

Catching Up

I've been on the road too much of this summer, so far. One graduation, 1 TI training, next week NSELA, then PTRA in Canada. As Den and I are both changing schools again (to Charlotte, NC), we've been spending what time we have clearing out our old classrooms.

What little teacher blogging I've been doing has been at Technology in Teaching. The traffic I'm getting there is better than what I've been getting here.

Although that may change. I've an application to get $$$$$ for ads in, and, if I'm accepted, this site may pay for itself. What I'll be doing until then, is using the Technology in Teaching site, which will then direct (via a link) you to here. That way, I can up my numbers, and make a better case for improved ad rates. Sorry for any inconvenience that causes you. At this time, to justify my time spent blogging, I have to get paid for it.

I'm in the Carnival of Education! Again!

My 10 Signs You're an Urban Teacher made the Carnival of Education this week.

I hope everyone is having a GREAT summer so far (or will be shortly).

We're having a challenging summer. Our electrical system needed to be replaced (again), due to the high probability of us becoming, as my husband put it, a Human Zapper victim.

Links to Video

Animation of Mission Plan

This is so cool! Check out NASA TV.

Phoenix Lands!

I've been following the Mars Phoenix probe landing on the Science Channel.

1) Good landing. When the dust settles, the NASA team will be able to tell more about it.

2) The tough part starts now. The solar panels have to open, as the probe only has very limited battery power. The digging equipment has to work. But, first, it all depends on the solar panels and the camera.

3) For the next 90 days, the mission will be progressing.

This information is coming via The Discovery Channel.

Down for the Day

I was in a car accident last week, and my back and hip are still aching. My husband talked me into staying home today, both because of my pain, but also because the insurance adjuster is coming today. I'll make an appointment for later this week with the orthopedic specialist.

I hate to take off this late in the year - the state tests are later this month. But, it can't be helped.

In a Fast, Furious, Frenzy of Downsizing My Lesson Plans

I just checked my plan for the remainder of the year, and it's a little like trying to pack an elephant into a cocktail purse - it ain't gonna happen.

I have 2 1/2 weeks until the End of Course Test in Physical Science.  In that time, I have to include:

• The elements
• Organic compounds
• Solutions
• Chemical Reactions, and
  
• Acids, bases, and salts
  

The kids are entering their slo-mo mode (summertime speed in the South, no hurryin').  Knowing the level of difficulty of the test, I'm feeling frantic (I'm obviously in an F mood).  I'm not expecting any answers, just feel like expressing my concern.

I just finished entering the interim grades, tonight I have to finish my last assignment for the online class I'm taking, and, when I've recovered from those, I have to have a nervous breakdown start modifying the plan.

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