Exploring

I checked out various different resources in the list but my favorite was the virtual pond and the temperature probes. I actually went to class on Tuesday the 20th to catch up on some things and learn about TPACK from Nikki. So I got to try out the temperature probes. The pond was very exciting to me because when I was growing up I lived around numerous ponds, and I never actually got to study what was in pond water until I was in college. It is fascinating to me to put objects under a microscope that look like nothing and see all the miniscule details. I was thinking that for my lesson I could do pond water samples and check the temperature of them and record the results, and see what tempature has more life, more living things inside of it. Obviously this is just a thought right now and it could change but I loved the hands on of the temperature probes and the game of learning more about 'pond creatures'.

As I am interested in pond water and I'm sure students would be as well I found this video on google video about pond water as my additional resource. If I am not able to get actual pond water in my classroom this would be a great outside source to show my students. The sound is kinda creepy, but its good.
Video of Pond Water Title of Video is Pond Water Creatures

ALSO: To the right I have included a video bar you can view the pond one right on my blog, but it is powered by YouTube so on campus you wont get it, but if you are on campus and want to view the video click on the link above, it it is to Google Video, which you can view on campus.

TPACK

Technological pedagogical and content knowledge or TPACK seems kinda overwhelming at first. How am I as a teacher supposed to incorporate technology, good teaching, and the curriculum or content all in one lesson? How can I make sure that I do it right as well? As with everything I have found that through research and diligence things will begin to come naturally. I think that is the way it will most likely be with TPACK. I will be focused on making sure I am reaching each category at first, but then it will just happen because of experience and effort mixed with focused time.

I know that TPACK with strengthen my skills as a teacher, as well as strengthen my students' knowledge. If I apply TPACK to my curriculum, I cannot see a lesson failing. As I use the idea of TPACK I can also see my strengths increasing, by continually trying to improve my teaching.

Although it may seem nearly impossible to perfect TPACK as a teacher, I think it may begin to come naturally and be a part of how I structure my teaching with my diligence in improving as a teacher.