Gifted Hands

Did you love the movie?  I've seen it numerous times and every single time I'm inspired!  (And, shh... every time I watch it, I cry.)  I love Mrs. Carson and how hard she worked, inspiring her children to greatness, despite her lack of education.  I love that she worked to better herself, and didn't settle.  I love that Dr. Carson repeatedly turned to Heavenly Father in prayer, when he knew he didn't have the answers... personally and professionally.

Have you memorized the Characteristics of a Scientist (one of the requirements for earning your Prism)?  I asked you yesterday to pick which one was your favorite to see Dr. Carson exemplify. Make sure you respond to the blog and tell me which one and why!  Here, I'll help you out :)
1. Notice Patterns
2. Wonder
3. Challenge Assumptions
4. Ask the Right Question
5. Have the Heart of a Scientist
6. Embrace Failure and learn from it
7. Read Original Works
8. Whole, not just specialized
9. Make Judgement based on reason, historical & personal experience and revelation (a-ha moments!)

I hope you all have a great Christmas, and enjoy your (almost) month off from Pyramid Project. But remember that January 8th is our next class, book discussion on Inteligro Math, and presentations by Trey, Eric and Adam (?).   *PLEASE NOTE*: One thing we didn't get a chance to talk about because of the shorter schedule this week is that in addition to the book discussion and presentations is that we'll be having a Core Book Exam.  Please bring your Core Book to class to take a one hour exam annotating a chapter of your choice for truth, equations, patterns and lines of logic.

The last day of the semester, final exam (and final day for EVERYTHING due to earn your Prism) is Jan 15th.  That evening is our Parent night/Science Fair.  During class that day, we'll have a math test.  But here's the kicker... you get to write the test.  Each of you is doing math at your own level.  If you're using a program with exams as part of a text book, you could bring that.  But a better option is to write the test ahead of time and bring it with you.  That sounds a little funny, but writing a test can actually be a really great way to learn and review what you've been studying.  You can also bring food to share... and ease any stress of taking a math exam in class.  This exam is more about reaching the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year.  Review those and see if you can meet those by next month.

Merry Christmas!  See you in January!

Check out this cool video, and all her "I wonders!"  http://www.sun-gazing.com/physics-girl-unique-crazy-pool-vortex/ I love learning new things like this!

Did you enjoy our field trip?  Did it inspire you to do something different?  Ask new questions?  Did you notice any patterns?

How are you coming with your Prism requirements?  Just a few more weeks until they need to all be done.  Have you done some fun experiments recently (everyone needs to have done at least 4)?  Why don't you respond to this post and tell us about some of them?  Please take a few minutes and look through all the requirements listed in your Pyramid binder, then get going on any that you still need to finish up.

January 15th is our Parent Night/Science Fair.  What will you be sharing with us?  Get crackin'!

Seriously guys, I love this class!  I love learning these things and having all of you in class with Sis. Ottosen and I.  I know that some of the things we talk about or ask of you are a little out of your comfort zone.  But you are great, and I'm excited to see you all earn your prism and share a little of what you've learned this year.