And a child shall lead them

Hands-on and minds-on science at its very best! Clara was experimenting with a molecular model kit in her fifth grade science class under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Boehr and behold...she created a new molecule! The cool thing is that her teacher recognized this as something promising, collaborated with Chemistry Professor Robert Zoellner (Humboldt State University) AND co-published an article in a major chemistry journal. If the molecule can be synthesized, it may "store energy or create a large explosion." This type of inquiry based learning has great potential to unleash the creative energy of students and create a knowledge explosion. Kudos to all!!!

STORY: Clara Lazen, Ten-Year-Old Fifth Grader, Discovers New Molecule (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkLP7ag_zaefhKWr_qJKp1mQq_pDsQeDXIs1szx_eoD6taGvmmFA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkLP7ag_zaefhKWr_qJKp1mQq_pDsQeDXIs1szx_eoD6taGvmmFA" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Hands-on and minds-on science at its very best! Clara was experimenting with a molecular model kit in her fifth grade science class under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Boehr and behold...she created a new molecule! The cool thing is that her teacher recognized this as something promising, collaborated with Chemistry Professor Robert Zoellner (Humboldt State University) AND co-published an article in a major chemistry journal. If the molecule can be synthesized, it may "store energy or create a large explosion." This type of inquiry based learning has great potential to unleash the creative energy of students and create a knowledge explosion. Kudos to all!!!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/ten-year-old-discovers-chemistry-molecule-published_n_1250825.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Clara Lazen, Ten-Year-Old Fifth Grader, Discovers New Molecule (VIDEO)</a>

Missouri Schools Complain About Obama Logo School Supplies

Story: Missouri Schools Complain About Obama Logo School Supplies

The above picture is a notebook that the students were given; the pencils are very similar. Understandably, angry Republicans are complaining that our youth have to be subjected to the Obama brand. More surprising might be that Obama is actually being branded like Nike or Pepsi. The company claims it was an accidental error, but we know who they voted for. By the way, what does a pile of coins have to do with a public school anyway?

<a href="http://media.columbiatribune.com/img/photos/2009/12/03/th_A01_change_1203_tx620.jpg?5986744d0a375d1f79d3e6e9a73b2d24eab24f61" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://media.columbiatribune.com/img/photos/2009/12/03/th_A01_change_1203_tx620.jpg?5986744d0a375d1f79d3e6e9a73b2d24eab24f61" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 376px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579652,00.html">Missouri Schools Complain About Obama Logo School Supplies</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The above picture is a notebook that the students were given; the pencils are very similar. Understandably, angry Republicans are complaining that our youth have to be subjected to the Obama brand. More surprising might be that Obama is actually being branded like Nike or Pepsi. The company claims it was an accidental error, but we know who they voted for. By the way, what does a pile of coins have to do with a public school anyway?<br /></div>

Band shirts hit wrong note with parents

Story: Band shirts hit wrong note with parents

The high school's marching band all had shirts with an evolution image similar to above, but each of the species was carrying a brass instrument. Some parents immediately threw a fit because the shirts depicted evolution. We can only assume that these parents believe that music was conceived through the eye's of God, and did not evolve over time.

<a href="http://christchurchcathedral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/revolution.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://christchurchcathedral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/revolution.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><strong>Story:</strong> <a href="http://www.sedaliademocrat.com/news/0px-18740-span-font.html">Band shirts hit wrong note with parents</a> <div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The high school's marching band all had shirts with an evolution image similar to above, but each of the species was carrying a brass instrument. Some parents immediately threw a fit because the shirts depicted evolution. We can only assume that these parents believe that music was conceived through the eye's of God, and did not evolve over time.</div>

Marshfield Lunch Lady Sentenced for Stealing

Story: Marshfield Lunch Lady Sentenced for Stealing

She was found with churro sticks and pizza boats overflowing from her closet.

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/televisioncity/4958/doris-mu.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.geocities.com/televisioncity/4958/doris-mu.gif" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kspr.com/news/local/43180667.html">Marshfield Lunch Lady Sentenced for Stealing</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">She was found with churro sticks and pizza boats overflowing from her closet.</></div>

Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student

Story: Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student

Sometimes children listen to the back side of your hand better than they listen to your verbal directions. Unfortunately, most parents don't send their kids to school to get slapped by teachers.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_BuSWaddGCl8ymyQ4E2rpBYfbRcjFEFqu46ebEiOChGhvEG3-_mCS3u1_GVJRZS1nqsFrxK-ai5eQB_UP-p-KGzyyQGoNo0-JVm0R9JrBeGh8FlQi9ALgUlzZvbeyNGAgBV578Lsxjb/s320/stagflation+slap+in+face+wall+street+greek.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_BuSWaddGCl8ymyQ4E2rpBYfbRcjFEFqu46ebEiOChGhvEG3-_mCS3u1_GVJRZS1nqsFrxK-ai5eQB_UP-p-KGzyyQGoNo0-JVm0R9JrBeGh8FlQi9ALgUlzZvbeyNGAgBV578Lsxjb/s320/stagflation+slap+in+face+wall+street+greek.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kctv5.com/education/19057694/detail.html">Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Sometimes children listen to the back side of your hand better than they listen to your verbal directions. Unfortunately, most parents don't send their kids to school to get slapped by teachers.</></div>

Gatorade Award causes controversy in Kansas

Story: Gatorade Award causes controversy in Kansas

The girl is home schooled in another state, but plays with the Kansas team during the year. Some parents are trying to justify their jealousy it wasn't their kid outraged that she got the award.

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong><img src="http://blogs.tampabay.com/talk/images/2008/09/25/gatorade.jpg" style="MAX-WIDTH: 800px" /><br /><br />Story: </strong><a href="http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=928161">Gatorade Award causes controversy in Kansas</a><br /><br />The girl is home schooled in another state, but plays with the Kansas team during the year. Some parents are <strike>trying to justify their jealousy it wasn't their kid</strike> <i>outraged</i> that she got the award.<img class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=a420e346-a87a-84d5-8070-c2d202c74692" /></div>

Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student

Story: Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student

Ever make a face at your mom, and she threatens to "slap it right off" you? That's kinda what happened here, except in this case the 11-year old girls mom was probably at work assuming her child is in the safe hands of a teacher. Maybe this teacher was busy texting during the part of her training when they reminded you not to assault children.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZnnr1FruxNUWg_S9YtKHPenKdk4JCNgv1Xqyc-2hkqLZG3sREAqn9Rv-2YfQ0v_wFNLDPAwyLaVWMijGTwgSwykl7hYy-xwbni-mT5L9-BrFf4xaPKHIPEqLWt5xs5egZudwIx4i4sH/s1600-h/slap.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307274747533633842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZnnr1FruxNUWg_S9YtKHPenKdk4JCNgv1Xqyc-2hkqLZG3sREAqn9Rv-2YfQ0v_wFNLDPAwyLaVWMijGTwgSwykl7hYy-xwbni-mT5L9-BrFf4xaPKHIPEqLWt5xs5egZudwIx4i4sH/s320/slap.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kctv5.com/education/18791363/detail.html">Teacher Accused Of Slapping Student</a><br /><br /><div align="justify">Ever make a face at your mom, and she threatens to "slap it right off" you? That's kinda what happened here, except in this case the 11-year old girls mom was probably at work assuming her child is in the safe hands of a teacher. Maybe this teacher was busy texting during the part of her training when they reminded you not to assault children.</div>

Missouri probes Office Depot school supply pricing

Story: Missouri probes Office Depot school supply pricing

It seems Office Depot has a history of jacking their prices and scamming teachers when it's time for back-to-school shopping. Administrators became suspicious when the pencils they ordered were already sharpened and had worn down erasers, and their new laptops looked strikingly similar to an original Macintosh Plus.

<a href="http://pro.corbis.com/images/CB007271.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B29FF6E4F-6BD8-47C0-93E2-4ECDBAA4BF64%7D"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pro.corbis.com/images/CB007271.jpg?size=572&uid=%7B29FF6E4F-6BD8-47C0-93E2-4ECDBAA4BF64%7D" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/03/ap6003727.html">Missouri probes Office Depot school supply pricing</a></div><br /><div></div><div align="justify">It seems Office Depot has a history of jacking their prices and scamming teachers when it's time for back-to-school shopping. Administrators became suspicious when the pencils they ordered were already sharpened and had worn down erasers, and their new laptops looked strikingly similar to an original Macintosh Plus.</></div>

Up to 50 Teens Exposed to HIV at Missouri School

Story: Up to 50 Teens Exposed to HIV at Missouri High School

Here's the best part...the school isn't releasing any information! They're just telling everyone that free HIV tests will be available because students may have been exposed to the virus. No one knows how, or who, but all the kids are freaking out. Talk about an uneasy environment to try and focus on learning. Anyone could be HIV positive, but no one is sure how it's possible! Not the best PR piece for a principal.

<a href="http://www.1099.com/graphics/illustrations/ihatetotellyoubut.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.1099.com/graphics/illustrations/ihatetotellyoubut.gif" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 271px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,443715,00.html">Up to 50 Teens Exposed to HIV at Missouri High School</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's the best part...the school isn't releasing any information! They're just telling everyone that free HIV tests will be available because students may have been exposed to the virus. No one knows how, or who, but all the kids are freaking out. Talk about an uneasy environment to try and focus on learning. Anyone could be HIV positive, but no one is sure how it's possible! Not the best PR piece for a principal.<br /></div><span> </span>

Sixth-graders face discipline for 'Hit a Jew Day'

Story: Mo. sixth-graders face discipline for 'Hit a Jew Day'

Hilter would be so proud. There's nothing like singling out an entire group of students and collectively deciding that for some unknown reason, they need to be smacked that day. It was reported that the only Jewish students unaffected by these attacks were found quietly hiding in attics and kitchen cupboards.

<a href="http://www.schindlerslist.com/schindler.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.schindlerslist.com/schindler.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 282px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/10/mo-sixth-grader.html">Mo. sixth-graders face discipline for 'Hit a Jew Day'</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Hilter would be so proud. There's nothing like singling out an entire group of students and collectively deciding that for some unknown reason, they need to be smacked that day. It was reported that the only Jewish students unaffected by these attacks were found quietly hiding in attics and kitchen cupboards.<br /></div><span> </span>

School district says no tattoos on teachers

Story: School district to require employees to cover tattoos

A unanimous vote decided that no teachers in the schools can have any part of a tattoo visible. It was made clear that tattoos "don't have a good stigma." Not sure what the latest stats are, but it's gotta be something like 75% of adults are getting tattoos. It's become so commonplace that I am not even sure kids notice anymore. Too bad for all the education majors in college who just went out and spent $100 for that killer skull and crossbones ink on their calf.

<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2467069133_e0b1dfc12d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2467069133_e0b1dfc12d.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_288233517.html"><span><span><span><span class="specialstoryheadline">School district to require employees to cover tattoos</span></span></span></span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A unanimous vote decided that no teachers in the schools can have any part of a tattoo visible. It was made clear that tattoos "don't have a good stigma." Not sure what the latest stats are, but it's gotta be something like 75% of adults are getting tattoos. It's become so commonplace that I am not even sure kids notice anymore. Too bad for all the education majors in college who just went out and spent $100 for that killer skull and crossbones ink on their calf.<br /></div><span> </span>

Teacher Suspended for 'Obama Frat' video

Story: Middle School Teacher Suspended for 'Obama Frat' Spat

It's one thing to teach politics and economics. It's one thing to have dance/ step clubs at school. But it might be a bit too much to dress 7th graders in militaristic outfits and do chants to a camera. Don't cults do this? It's really an understatement that this has become the most active election year ever. Hopefully somewhere during their rehearsals they got around to geometry.

<a href="http://elections.foxnews.com/img/story/100608_obamafraternity.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://elections.foxnews.com/img/story/100608_obamafraternity.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/06/middle-school-teacher-suspended-obama-frat-spat/">Middle School Teacher Suspended for 'Obama Frat' Spat</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's one thing to teach politics and economics. It's one thing to have dance/ step clubs at school. But it might be a bit too much to dress 7th graders in militaristic outfits and do chants to a camera. Don't cults do this? It's really an understatement that this has become the most active election year ever. Hopefully somewhere during their rehearsals they got around to geometry.<br /></div><span> </span>

Pink hair gets girl suspended

Story: Pink hair gets girl suspended

She wore pink to honor her father who died of cancer. What she forget to remember, was that there is a time and place to love your family...and school is not that place. The administrators had plans to shave it off, but they realized it might become even more of a distraction. Does everyone remember how hard it was to concentrate in class with all those bright colors everywhere in people's hair? Are we a nation with ADHD? With all of the new dress code policies, schools are making it harder and harder to even attend on a regular basis.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ53PGqQvG5QJQP4EuXpg4_bVVGrayFnqouQVDcrhUWZMD8V974FucvVDp7sb2KDQUWmN1ry_7_J9bPtTriiMpZwhzx2eJ5EgDYnUGOubXIrfrs49juFC5F0nqdwNja8bT9K7TKUBbgeJ/s1600-h/jrm.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238767106032294642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ53PGqQvG5QJQP4EuXpg4_bVVGrayFnqouQVDcrhUWZMD8V974FucvVDp7sb2KDQUWmN1ry_7_J9bPtTriiMpZwhzx2eJ5EgDYnUGOubXIrfrs49juFC5F0nqdwNja8bT9K7TKUBbgeJ/s320/jrm.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story: </span><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/66A94B73DFA4C35C862574AC004EDFD7?OpenDocument">Pink hair gets girl suspended</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">She wore pink to honor her father who died of cancer. What she forget to remember, was that there is a time and place to love your family...and school is not that place. The administrators had plans to shave it off, but they realized it might become even more of a distraction. Does everyone remember how hard it was to concentrate in class with all those bright colors everywhere in people's hair? Are we a nation with ADHD? With all of the new dress code policies, schools are making it harder and harder to even attend on a regular basis.<br /></div><span> </span>

Elementary School Principal Under Investigation

Story: Elementary School Principal Under Investigation

The police discovered bookshelves, desks, white boards, AC units, and Nintendo systems in her possession. Aside from going on shopping sprees at Office Depot, it's clear what is happening here: The principal has finally come to terms with the faults of public education, and has begun bunkering supplies to start her own home-schooling business.

<a href="http://security.mitsi.com/images/Buttons/Computer%20theft.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://security.mitsi.com/images/Buttons/Computer%20theft.gif" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 266px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Story: </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.kctv5.com/news/16351365/detail.html">Elementary School Principal Under Investigation</a><br /><br />The police discovered bookshelves, desks, white boards, AC units, and Nintendo systems in her possession. Aside from going on shopping sprees at Office Depot, it's clear what is happening here: The principal has finally come to terms with the faults of public education, and has begun bunkering supplies to start her own home-schooling business.</span><br /><span> </span>

Stun gun used on middle school student

Story: Stun gun used on middle school student

This story is still developing so we are not sure yet what lead to this outcome. But it helps prompt the question- what did schools and officers do before they were allowed to carry tasers? Perhaps they used a non-violent technique instead of a reaction that lands kids in the hospital every time. And there has to be some sort of emotional side-effects on children when they see their classmates getting stunned by electricity and drug out of the school.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGDtgyQBYDqAOssUhljGW32b93EcxB6u55a7Por6y_MflGdCzw6oD4I45CWKqIcHlIMMJEefzZ9v_6Vw5ddkEST_rZx7MfCzF-zAU3gwIzGhi6YUz20evfL_zWcS3yeB63_jDS4hNRLNg/s1600-h/shock.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189139047153245938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGDtgyQBYDqAOssUhljGW32b93EcxB6u55a7Por6y_MflGdCzw6oD4I45CWKqIcHlIMMJEefzZ9v_6Vw5ddkEST_rZx7MfCzF-zAU3gwIzGhi6YUz20evfL_zWcS3yeB63_jDS4hNRLNg/s320/shock.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/574995.html">Stun gun used on middle school student</a></div><br /><div></div><div>This story is still developing so we are not sure yet what lead to this outcome. But it helps prompt the question- what did schools and officers do before they were allowed to carry tasers? Perhaps they used a non-violent technique instead of a reaction that lands kids in the hospital every time. And there has to be some sort of emotional side-effects on children when they see their classmates getting stunned by electricity and drug out of the school.</div>

School Bans Student Cell Phones

Story: School Bans Student Cell Phones

The biggest challenge in the next decade for teachers will be adapting to and controlling the advancements of technology, mostly with hand-held devices. If we do not find a way now to incorporate their inevitable prevelance among ALL youth, this battle will never end. Teens now rely on them way too much to make statements such as "...students can still use payphones in the hallway in case of an emergency..." Accept it, they're here to stay.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsvGSXVFkSAJEH3Z38Ch3xoQDUIqWGbQRHUxzPqL3mWbA5nyqfGXhG86-hKYj6QhhTjDy2V6JiVVApbV2VjGjwLtI-w5ugKxu8u9DWJf8xFxjVP9ys8DAv_xOJGNu2R9KBqk0lj3ew7M/s1600-h/cell.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179093827935219586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsvGSXVFkSAJEH3Z38Ch3xoQDUIqWGbQRHUxzPqL3mWbA5nyqfGXhG86-hKYj6QhhTjDy2V6JiVVApbV2VjGjwLtI-w5ugKxu8u9DWJf8xFxjVP9ys8DAv_xOJGNu2R9KBqk0lj3ew7M/s320/cell.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><br /><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></div><div><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Story:</span> <a href="http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=8030029&nav=menu51_11_2">School Bans Student Cell Phones</a></div><br /><div></div><div>The biggest challenge in the next decade for teachers will be adapting to and controlling the advancements of technology, mostly with hand-held devices. If we do not find a way now to incorporate their inevitable prevelance among ALL youth, this battle will never end. Teens now rely on them way too much to make statements such as <em>"...students can still use payphones in the hallway in case of an emergency..."</em> Accept it, they're here to stay.</></div>