ART CANOE

Students are creating optical illusions using radial symmetry and complimentary color theory.

One of my 5th students has been working on this mask for over 2 weeks. He has been coming in during lunch and recess to finish all the details.

Each fall and spring, my school has a service learning immersion day. Every grade is involved on and off campus. My Earth group did a beach cleanup at Illinois State Beach Park with forest steward, Don Wilson. In addition, Don served as naturalist, educating us about dunes, sand prairies, and oak savannas.  We hiked to the Dead River watershed, learned about swales, and saw several prickly pear cactuses and artic plants. We also learned that the nature enter is almost never open due to lack of DNR funds.  Illinois State Beach Park is the most popular park in Illinois. 

As an educator, it has been very exciting to connect with other educators via educational Twitter chats. An example published below features last night's chat featuring authors of Teach like a Pirate and Genius Hour . I had fun reading and contributing to this chat! [ View the story "Teach Like a Pirate~ Pure Genius~ November 3, 2014" on Storify ]