Looking for Resources? Have you Sqworled?

Just what is Sqworl?
Sqworl is a free online bookmarking tool that saves a screen capture of each page you bookmark. I organize mine by categories like reading, math, Earth science, etc.  It is addictive once you start.         
Sqworl  also gives you another way to search for websites.

Type in the subject you want in the search and click go.  If there is a match on any sqworl that has been created you will be directed to that person's sqworl.  You can add the website to your sqworl but you can also choose to follow the sqworl.
The nice thing about following someone else's sqworl is that when they add something on their sqworl it updates the followed link you have saved, like Pinterest.
Check out my sqworl links I have posted in the side bar on the right.

sample of My sqworls:

 Space Science   http://sqworl.com/l2tia8

 Earth Science http://sqworl.com/oigj3w

 Internet Safety http://sqworl.com/9rfld7

 Everything Science http://sqworl.com/gneeax

 Comets http://sqworl.com/1zg0ft

 Science Warm-ups and Reviews http://sqworl.com/jaut1x

 Websites:

 Science Spot http://sciencespot.net/

 phET http://phet.colorado.edu/

Don't just look at sqworls...make your own!

To join Sqworl:

* Find Sqworl on the internet and register. Scroll down to Sqworl Tools and add Browser Bookmarklet. Drag Add to Sqworl to your toolbar.

* Search a subject. To save a page you like, click Add a Sqworl in the tool bar. To add to a sqworl you have started- fill in the top. To start a new sqworl- fill out the bottom of the box.

* Click the heart at the bottom corner of a sqworl if you want to follow it. It will show at the bottom of your home page.

* To return to your homepage click on your username in the right hand corner.

*******One final plus********  
I have used sqworl for about 5 years.  During that time I had 2 problems.  I emailed the founder with a question for help and both times he responded within the day and solved my problem.  

Check out the Blog list on the side bar for additional info

Just a reminder, I have 2  other blogs.  OMSH KID ZONE is kid centered and sometimes will have museum info that the teacher blog doesn't, or may get the info earlier. Scan the Museum website for all museum events.  
The third blog I have is KJR Science Station and is basically what it states, a repository of science and teaching resources. If I haven't used it at the museum yet I will store it on the Science Station.  I stored resources in this blog when I taught (before I used Moodle and other tech aids).  I wish I had stored more Moodle info on the blog!  Anywhere you see "Sqworl"- check it out.  Sqworls are easy and wonderful ways to store websites.

Worm Care

If you brought your class to  Diary of a Worm , the following are tips to help you take the best care of your new class animals.
The worms used were Red Wigglers, among the best for composting.
1.  Worms like it damp but not wet.  If your worm home gets too wet, gently turn your container upside down (with lid firmly on!) and have a parent poke a few holes in the bottom lie the ones in the lid.  Set it back- bottom side down and set the container on an old container to catch draining water.  Then add some more DRY shredded newspaper to absorb some of the extra moisture.
2.  Add some extra dirt, one tablespoon full should do it for your small container.  Make sure it does not have chemicals in it.  Ask your parents. Worms need dirt to help them eat food.
3.  Feed your worms correctly.  It doesn't take much food.  If you still see food scraps then don't add more.  When you add food, just a little does it.  For just a few worms, chop up a big spoonful of RAW, UNCOOKED  fruit and vegetable scraps...no citrus like lemons and no onions or garlic. 
NEVER give your worms meat, dairy or grease!
4.  Worms like it dark.  Wrap some dark paper around he outside of your container.

Two red worms mating

5.  Not too cold or hot! Keep your container inside and away from hot things.  In the spring you can set them free in your garden if you want.
6.  If you see two worms together, leave them alone.  They are making babies.
7.  If you see a lot of black soil, that's worm poop and it is great food for your plants. Gently remove it and put it in your flower pot.  Your plants will love it!


For more pictures and graphics, open the Adventures of Herman the Worm (under StoryLab Curriculum).
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

STORY LAB

Story Lab is a new museum program that started in November.  Each month a new book is highlighted for a read-a loud story time.  Afterwards, children participate in a science lab or science activity that relates to the story.

Schools and groups may choose a Story Lab as a Field trip.  Once a Story Lab has been presented for the month it is available for school field trips.
Story Labs run about 45 minutes each and will be held in the Museum of Science and History's third floor Budding Biotech Lab.
 


 Story Labs now available to classes and groups:
                    Diary of a Worm 
                               and
                    Snowflake Bentley  





                                 November:    Diary of a Worm  by  Doreen Cronin
                                                       Lab: Worms and Composting
                                                         
                                 December:    Snowflake Bentley  by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
                                                      Lab: Crystals in Nature

                                 January:       Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly
                                                      and The Amazing Pop-up, Pull-out Space Shuttle by David Hawcock
                                                      Lab: Living in Space, Space Shuttle, Rockets

                                  February:     How Tall Was Milton? by Lawrence F. Lowery
                                                      and Actual Size by Steve Jenkins
                                                      Lab: Measurement and comparing sizes

 Story Lab is free to members.  For non-members it is included in the price of admission which is $3. Children 2 years and under are free.
         

We enjoyed all the visitors to our booth Thursday evening.  Among the science treats we handed out, the most popular were the Ghost Eggs, Glow Worms and Vampire Slime.  All three are examples of polymers.  Polymers include anything plastic or rubber as well as several things found in nature.  DNA and proteins are polymers!

The next question asked was "Where did you get this?"  We ordered from SteveSpangler.com

You can click on the link in the side menu to check out Steve Spangler online.  Another good source is ScienceBob.com

May the Science Force Be With You!

This animated current wind map is very cool to watch as Hurricane Sandy approaches.    http://hint.fm/wind/  This link can also be found in the KJR Science Station Blog under Earth Science websites.

just a note...

I have been researching ideas all morning and working on curriculum connections, all the while thinking of the apples sitting on my kitchen counter.  I keep looking for the perfect French Apple Cake recipe and think I have found it on David Lebovitz's blog.  French Apple Cake is SO easy to make and wonderfully delicious.  I have added the blog link under my blogs as a special treat to my visitors.  I hope you will have a moment to look through my slideshows and fossil books.  Send me ideas of museum science connections you would like to see. Remember to sign up as a follower to be entered to win a field trip for your class or a family membership for yourself to the museum.