Richard's blog

This day was a bit more out of touch from my other SciJourn experiences. Instead of going to teach the teens in the M.O.M component we came up with ideas for a presentation tomorrow. I plan on making a video about the "superheroes" in SciJourn. I also judged a debate today and will work more on my planned activities tomorrow...

Okay then! I had a very productive day! I walked in today hoping that I would get the opportunity to conduct a Read Aloud Think Aloud activity, eat delicious food, and be a judge in a debate round, and I was correct! I presented a R.A.T.A. activity with the head honchos in the SciJourn world. Marquise and I did an "old school" type lesson that I believe everyone really enjoyed. The whole component took turns presenting information- Marquise and I did SciJourn Standards- and it was a true success. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent SciJourn and when I heard that we would get to eat pizza- well I was blown away! Then I took part in an debate as a judge and in the end three teams tied for last place. I love debate and I was told that the judges would get Ted Drews so all is well!

Today was amazing! I was able to have an interesting session of mafia- I made it so that there was only one mafia member and no guardian angel/detective. It was a pretty interesting game, but eventually people figured it out. I was also able to work on the power point presentation with Marquise and Tasha- we are meant to present tomorrow so I pray that all will be well with us. Today also marked the success of us teaching!!! Well, Marquise and I any way. Due to the absence of Toni and Gabi, we merged the two groups and led them in a review game. I know that they will keep the SciJourn standards in their minds so all is well. I do feel upset though about Gabi's grandmother and I hope that she ends up in a good place.

Today was a very good day! I was able to finish teaching the Plant Science component and I was very glad to do so. It seems like the teens have, of late, become disinterested with the lessons and articles. I would try to teach about all we have learned so far, and all I would get were blank stares as opposed to truly in depth questions. I appreciate the teens that actually cared, I dont get paid to have them watch me talk and then not respond. I was able to get a response however when it came to my Batman muscle physiology interview. My interviewee was able to give me a good source of information, but I think that my article should be split in two- one focusing on the cape, the other focusing on the muscles. I also heard that Marquise and I need to present to some Scijourn "powerhouses", we wil need to prepare an "old school" R.A.T.A. Anyway, I have a bus to catch so goodbye for now.

Alright then. I really need to go, so I regret to say that my blog for today will be short. I had a good time teaching and I have everything planned for tomorrow. I was successfully emailed back by one of my interviewee's and they gave me VERY helpful information. I love how my article is going and I have already written 2 pages worth of article. I plan on working hard tomorrow on my stuff, but I have a bus to catch...

I think that this is going to be my shortest blog. I did have a lot of fun teaching today, however I feel as if I upset my teaching partner... I know that I can be a hand full at times, but she was P.O.'ed! On the plus side, the teens ONCE AGAIN LOVE MY TEACHING METHOD!!! Anyways I have a bus to catch so good bye for now...

To Mr. Fisher, My name is Richard Shoyoola, and I am a researcher with Youth Exploring Science at the St. Louis Science Center. Currently I work in the Taylor Building with the SciJourn component, and I am writing an article about the plausibility and realism of the superhero Batman. At one time or another, most people have wondered whether or not it would be possible to become like the Dark Knight- that is, be able to fight crime aided only by instincts, fighting ability and the latest in body armor. I saw your name listed next to muscle physiology and thought that you would be a good source of information for an interview. I would ask you questions (over the phone or via e-mail, whichever you prefer) about the possibility of becoming Batman; the effect prolonged crime fighting would have on the mind/body… etc. I would love to conduct this interview as I feel it would be interesting to tackle superheroes from a scientific point of view. Sincerely, Richard Shoyoola P.S Please contact me via my supervisor’s email rcook@hazelwoodschools.org This is a sample of the letter I sent my interviewee for my Batman interview. I would love to fully write this articl