Whats up? Everything it feels like!

I always promise myself that (insert hand raised to side) I am going to blog often, make new products daily, have some witty story to tell in a very eloquent manner and be active on social media. 

Life has a different way of unfolding itself around about me.  It seems as though even a shower cannot be had without multi-tasking and trying to wash the bathroom, and dictate messages to my ziplocked phone while I am showering.  I am sure my backside is shaped like the car seat, and since my daughter drives every where now I manage to do a little social media and marking in the car.

Over the summer during my "leisure tie I prepped the first 1/3 of my year.  Yup - September to December laid out in all my classes, bindered or bagged, sticky noted directions, cut, laminated, photocopied and in bins.  I coach volleyball during this time and several of my own kids play the sport so this is a necessity.  However, it spoiled me.  No "night before" prepping for several months is something a girl can get used to.  My nights now are filled with binders, booklets, and my computer as I try to live up to my own high expectations. And maybe grab a few hours of sleep and keep up on marking!  BUT  - I love being a Mom, I love being a teacher, and I love being involved at church, and I love coaching.  So I wouldn't really change a thing (other than guaranteeing teachers a 250% raise for all the hard work and love we pour into our jobs!)

That being said -  highlight of my "school" life was my To Mine or Not to Mine Role Play Scenario!  This was part of my latest addition to my store - Minerals, Mining, and the Environment . 

 This resource starts off by providing student handouts that provide basic information on minerals and mining. The handouts also discuss and compare surface and underground mining; who, what , where, when and why and their environmental implications. There is a set of review questions to complete with the handouts. There are links to a ton of great resources, videos, and diagrams included to supplement the lesson.

The second part of this resource is one of my favorite things to do with my class. It is a scenario role play.

"We are residents of a small town of just over 500 people. The economy of our town is faltering and there is a high rate of unemployment. Our town – Pleasant, has recently been the site of geological exploration and a deposit of mineral was discovered. The deposit is near the surface so the company that owns the land where the deposit was found wants to build a strip mine. The strip mine would be located where a popular hiking and picnicking area is located.

We understand that the project will provide jobs for residents so we welcome the development of the mine. However, there is some concern about the state of the land after the mine eventually closes. Many of the townspeople want the company to take accountability for the mines reclamation and land restoration.

 The mineral deposit that is located near the town is not highly valuable right now. The mine will not be a profitable undertaking if the company has to pay for the reclamation, as such the company can’t agree to restore the land. However, like most resources, the world market may change and in the future the deposit could become much more profitable."

In our role play scenario each student gets a role; from the CEO or the Publics Relations officer of the Mining company, to a single stay at home mom, a local garage owner, geologist, politician running from re-election and so on. They each prepare a report using the brainstorming sheets and guidelines to present in character at the "Town Meeting". They must decide to support the opening and the subsidy, or to vote to wait and not support the opening at this time.

This is an opportunity to get your students thinking critically, applying knowledge and understanding in a real and relevant way, and to work on their persuasive writing and debating skills.

This is the one activity that all of my students look forward to and go all out preparing for. In total it takes about 10 days to prepare (1 45 minute class each day) and present. They come dressed in character and we invite other staff members to listen and even vote if there is time.

The presentations were amazing - they had some amazing research and brought up a ton of relevant points that I had not even considered!  The debates were great - tons of meaningful questions, well thought answers, and back and forth that showed a great deal of critical reflection.  Very few of  my students did not over prepare and take their roles very seriously.  I was SUPER proud of them!

If you are interested in winning a copy of this product leave a comment below and one lucky person will a special email after this weekend!!