July 14, 2005

The class got started today with a discussion about climate and pollution. On weather.org the students started an activity concerning the climate and capes. Graphing weather data the students learned interesting facts. In Excel they learned to sort their data into columns. Bob explained that he was going to give them an introduction to programming.

After break they began programming on a new graph application. As more practice for their presentation skills, Bob2 assigns them the task of finding something of interest to them and present it to the class. After lunch went over the steps of a presentation: describing the problem, showing the model/evidence, explaining the information gathered, and delivering the conclusion. After their presentations Bob2 gave them a structured evaluation to point out what they are getting right and what they can improve.

Shodor interns came in to watch and evaluate the presentations. They advised the students to be firmer in their presentations, stating their findings as fact. Also, speaking louder, making eye contact, and reaching the entire audience (not just the teacher) were suggested. They also needed to be sure their conclusions were clear. They were all successful in presenting good information and using the technology well.

After snack, Bob2 got students using Gnuplot. Bob assigned the students to make a new graph to represent the relationship between pressure and temperature. After they finished that activity Garrett Love, a Shodor staff member, came in to talk with the class. He told the students who he is and what he does at Shodor. To end the day Bob taught briefly about the ozone and different particles within it.