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Thursday, January 10, 2013

Barnum on The Classroom Bookshelf

Barnum was recently reviewed on the wonderful blog, The Classroom Bookshelf.  The review was lovely, but even more exciting was the extensive list of ideas on how to use Barnum in the classroom.  I was especially interested in the idea of students exploring the issue of scientific cooperation versus scientific rivalry, a theme which is touched on in Barnum but which could be expanded by learning about the 'bone wars' that raged between fossil hunters Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh.  In addition to ideas for further classroom use, The Classroom Bookshelf entry also includes a lengthy list of related websites and print media for further exploration and research.  This is a great resource for teachers, parents, and kids who want to know more about Barnum and dinosaurs.  You can read the entire blog entry here.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Barnum Named an Outstanding Science Trade Book

The National Science Teachers Association recently named Barnum's Bones an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students.  Needless to say, I'm very honored, especially because science teachers played such an important role in my own educational experience.   My high school chemistry and biology teachers sparked an interested that still shapes what I do today.  Mr. Sprague's chemistry II class was the most challenging class I took in high school, and I loved it. Thank you to Mr. Sprague and to all the other science teachers who inspire kids to explore, investigate, and understand our world!  The entire list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students, 2013 can be seen here.