Science Class Online

19 years teaching 7th and 8th grade math, life science and physical science. 2 years teaching high school algebra, trigonometry, geometry, & biology.

Middle schoolers love variety and meaningful tasks, and that's exactly what I try to give them every day. My style is inquiry-based as much as possible. We take time in class generating questions, wondering "What exists and what happens? How do we know we are correct in our ideas?" I try to make science fun, with demonstrations and investigations, balanced with literacy skills using Cornell-style notes and Interactive Notebooks. Students work in collaborative small groups rather than simply doing worksheets with instructions for a "cookbook" lab. Modern technology can be a powerful teaching aid. I've made over 100 instructional videos available to my classes online in order to "flip" certain aspects of my curriculum. I use "clickers" as a tool for discussion, and an online "Moodle" course website to extend student learning beyond the classroom.

California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year 2010 Commended by Tri County GATE Council for dedication to gifted education, March 2013 Presenter, Santa Barbara County Classroom Technology Showcase 2012 Presenter, California Association for the Gifted Annual Conference 2014 & 2012, Tri-County GATE Best Practices 2013 Excellence in Education, Santa Barbara School Board Recognition Award 2010, 2007 Teachnet Innovator Grant recipient, 2008 QAD Ready-Set-Tech Grant recipient, 2008 The sweetest honors, though, come from the students in their heartfelt home-made presents and notes.

I try to learn most of my lessons by observing birds, ants, and trees. If one knows how to ask, and how to wait, Nature will never fail to speak. I suppose people really want to hear about time inside classroom walls... Stanford University, B.S. Biology University of California, Santa Barbara, Professional Clear Teaching Credential in Life Science, English, and Mathematics Hopkins Marine Station Summer Research Program, Cellular Biology of Early Development University of California, Santa Barbara, GATE Certificate California Association of the Gifted Conference participation every year 2005-present

I was a Judge for the Kavli Institute of Theoretical Physics Teachers' Conferences Raab Prize Contest for several years. I've also been a Naturalist-Interpreter & High Sierra Loop Trip Leader for the Yosemite Association. Most importantly, I am blessed with a beautiful family.