Thank you, REEF!

Thanks to the generosity of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation, I'll be heading out somewhere (maybe to Costa Rica) this summer for a spell (perhaps to help with a study of Sustainable Farming Practices). I found out a couple of days ago, and have been so excited that it has been hard to focus on the things that need to be done around the house. The Costa Rica destination is not 100% guaranteed at this time.... but no matter where I am sent, I know it will be another life-changing experience for me.
Yippee!
For information about the Costa Rica trip, visit the Earthwatch website.......

Earthwatch is now accepting applications for our Live >From the Field fellowships during the 2009-10 school year!

Earthwatch is now accepting applications for our Live >From the Field fellowships during the 2009-10 school year! Applications for the fall 2009 semester are due April 6^th 2009.

Visit www.earthwatch.org/lff for more information

Live From the Field fellows join Earthwatch research teams during a small portion (7 to 10 days) of the school year and share their experiences with classrooms at home using blogs containing, photos, videos, lessons, and activities. Live From the Field Fellows also connect with students through live video or phone conferencing at scheduled times during their expedition.

Visit www.earthwatch.org/lff for more information

Earthwatch Institute

Earthwatch Institute "engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment." "Earthwatch is a diverse community of scientists, educators, students, businesspeople, and resolute explorers who work together to get the fullest benefit from scientific expeditions. In addition to 150 dedicated staff in the United States, England, Australia, and Japan, Earthwatch supports more than 130 scientists each year and builds networks of hundreds of students and teachers."

Doesn't that sound like me?

What a terrific opportunity.

So I decided to complete an application and see what happens.

I haven't been this excited about the possibility of something happening in years.
(And those of you who know me know that I can get pretty excited about things.)

Just think of the opportunities to share with my students in the library. Impact the world a student at a time.

Science Olympiad-The Thrill of Victory

A little brag time here :)
The students that I was coaching for a competition in the area of Environmental Chemistry took 3rd place! That is wonderful!

It was a long day, with a drive out to Cal State LA at 5:45 am. Then the airplane team realized they had forgotten their wings, and since, well, most people came on a bus, I drove back to Riverside and picked up the forgotten wings (and some notes) and took them back in time for the 10:15 competition).

Overall, Gage placed 4th out of 27 teams in all events.

A good day.

The kids were happy. So were the adults.

Thanks, Lisa, for heading up this crazy event.

Now on the Riverside's Regional event next weekend.