The agony of defeat. Well more than that really. Evan's boat fell apart during the race - someone did step on it before the race because he didn't put it in a safe place like I suggested. But he loved his boat.

Students made their own "sail" boats out of recycled materials for fun science . They used about 9 or so 40 minute periods and worked in small groups.

In my class, students had a lot of freedom and ownership of their boats. I gave them guidelines and materials. They could also bring in their own materials. I made sure their design would at least float. It was a great experience although a bit hectic at times managing a class full of second graders pretty much in free mode while building their boats. My two classes ended up winning 8 out of 11 prizes including fastest and most environmentally friendly (the same boat).

It's interesting that some teachers chose a different philosophy and made the boats for the students. Their boats were nicer than ours, of course, but I don't think their students had much fun or took ownership of the boats.

Some winners below. I love teaching.

States of Matter \ States of Mind

What is inside the balloons? Matter? Yes! Molecules? Yes! Gas? Yes!

What's inside my mind? I'm trying to decide what to teach next year. I'll be staying at the same school but I have the choice of teaching the same students in 3rd grade or starting with a new group in the 1st grade. I have taught my current students since 1st grade and know them well. It would be exciting to see them grow and progress in the 3rd grade.

However, I won't teach science in the 3rd grade. Students in the 3rd grade on up are taught by science teachers. I love teaching science to 1st and 2nd graders. I put in a request to teach 1st grade but I still have some time to change my mind. I'm uneasy about my decision though.

Busy

I'm into the third week of the Master's program. Really busy. Lot's of reading, message boarding, journal writing and projects. It's going fine though, just taking up most of my off time.

Last Sunday we did leave the house around 5 am and went stone hunting for a half a day. Nice. I brought the computer and books and got some studying in too. Not only that, we found, or Annie found around 90 stones with the metal in it. That's what we're looking for. About 17 of those were the size of a half-dollar or New Taiwan $10 coin. Nice. I found two. My eyes really haven't tuned into what to look for. Her's have.

I'm still not sure what the metal is in these stones or even know what type of stones they are. Some of the stones in the river also contain iron. Little nodules of iron are rusting through the stone. I'm told the shiny metal could be zinc or bronze.

More research is needed.

Fun Science et el

Our 1st - 3rd grade "Fun Science" projects are to build boats and race them in the swimming pool. The parameters are you should use recycle materials, they must float and catch wind from the fans and most of all students should have fun! (Only one boy was unhappy and had trouble getting along in his group.)

There are two philosophies of boat building going on.
1. Student-built boats assisted by teacher.
2. Teacher-built boats

My classes built their own boats out of mostly recycled materials supplied by me and brought in by them. Their boats are "unique" and look mostly like barges but they do meet the parameters. They were very creative with their designs not missing out on important things like the Hello Kittie view area, the swimming pool, sleeping quarters, drivers and many other amenities... I made sure they float. The design contest is next Tuesday and the boat race is next Wednesday.

et el Really busy with classes these days so less blogs, less golf, less a lot of things. Loving school though. Thanks to my two UH Hilo on-line experiences - science and children's literature - I'm familiar with on line learning.

Masters Program

I've started a Master's program in Education. MaED in ESL. Yikes, back to school. It's a lot of work, of course, and it's only the first week. It will be worth it as the masters should make me a more valuable commodity in the education world both here and in the US. It really is a lot of work. Did I mention that?

It's through Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. The program is 36 units long and only for those with teaching credentials. The course lasts 2 months. I'm starting six units. It's a lot of work. The summer program is 8 weeks long.

I hope to graduate at the end of next year.

My classmates are mostly "older," women and ex-military. Many spent time in Iraq and most have older kids. I only saw one other male name.

Well, time to watch a lecture.

Polishing the Stones and Disaster...

Last Sunday we went to James' factory and worked at polishing the stones that we found during our two outings of rock hunting. The stones need to be polished to bring out the Taiwan jade and the metal. I'm not sure what the metal is but it could be zinc or brass.

After polishing we drill a hole in the stone so it can be worn around your neck.

There is one more step. We need to heat and wax the stone. This is where I made my big mistake. I heated the stone for too long. I put it in the oven for 15 minute and the Taiwan jade turned brown. the metal also dulled. I''m bummed. The stone you see sitting on the cardboard is so much more beautiful now than after I stuck it in the oven.

Apparently, I misunderstood and should have only put it in the oven for a few minutes. We'll polish it again this week and see what happens. Bummer.

Making Yogurt for Darwin

To celebrate Charles Darwin's 200th birthday anniversary the school decided everyone will make yogurt. The students had a great time although only a few of them actually ate it. Some parents tossed it right away because they they were worried about disease. I understand that. But it was still fun.

I ran into one of my students at COSTCO on Saturday. In class he usually speaks very well but in COSTCO he couldn't say anything in English.

This is not the first time that this has happened. I think it's very common in Taiwan. Students only can speak English in school or in a classroom situation. Outside of that something happens and they lose it.

The government recognizes this problem and is building an "English" village. The idea is to loosen student's tongues by immersing them an an English atmosphere.

We went on another day of rock hunting. This time we left home at 5 AM. It's a good time.

We ate breakfast fixed by the lady below. Then we went searching for a place.

This is part of Taiwan I really love, as you can see.

What you don't see is the garbage being tossed into the river - by some of the aboriginal people who live here.

Nice, just like the rest of the world.

This river has few or no fish. It's something about the water being clogged with a dark soil. It is and it's natural. However, I thought the lack of fish could be due to the dam down below. It may have exterminated a salmon or trout like speices. Just a hunch.

Sunday Golf

Yesterday was a "real" golf day. After ride back with Annie from Changhua to Taichung I went golfing with Duncan and his wife Meg.

We only go to golf course about once every two months. Not enough to really improve much. I practice at a driving range about twice a week and South African friend is my coach.

Golfing is a tough game. I do love the experience though and it is one way to get nearer to nature here in Taiwan without needing to drive so far.

I still don't keep a score although I made some nice puts, good approach shots and a couple of nice drives. I pared a couple of holes.







Afterward we ate a late lunch at the Lotus Flower restaurant. Not bad.

Before golfing my wife and I road the scooters home from Changhua. We decided to stop at Mos Burger for breakfast. It's a Japanese chain that is pretty good. Cheers!

Rice is Nice

On my scooter ride home the other Monday morning I noticed how nice the rice looks at this time a year. The color is very GREEN even in the morning haze - yes it is haze - I think. It could be pollution from mainland China but I don't think so.

There is a certain secure feeling about seeing rice like this all over Taiwan. Food. This is really where it comes from, not from the store. It reminds me of when I was a kid and seeing the vast corn fields all over northwestern Ohio. I have more appreciation for it now.

Back to Bloggin

Well I miss blogging so after a break here I go again.

On April 5 we went rock hunting with some friends. It was a great way to spend the day. I really mean the day. We left our house at 5:30 AM and returned at 8:30 PM. Whew, and the only nap was in the van.

I only found one decent stone. Just getting an eye for it. However, the time slipped dreamily away. It was so peaceful to hear the river all day long.

By the way, the photo of the bridge shows women doing laundry the "old way" in the background, not rock hunting.

Blogging Bye for Now

Photos 1.E-Jay, my niece, she's three.

2. James at the BBQ. Kingsford charcoal complements of Costco.
3. Hoejah - delicious
4. I guess Cindy had a lot of Johnny Walker Green.


I haven't been blogging lately - just haven't been in the mood. I'm going to end this blog and leave it dormant. I'll start a new blog and post its address here. I'm not sure what I'll call it yet, I'll let you know.



Aloha and Tzsi Jin

Teacher Gerald

Science Fair II - We Won It All

The winning Groups - The Kitties - above - (they chose their own names) from Dalton Class and the Rabbits from Powell Class.


The results of the first grade science fair came out yesterday and my classes - both of them - took first place! Hooray! This is a big deal for the students and for me. It just validates my teaching and validates that great teacher program at University of Hawaii, Hilo. Thank you Annelise!
The winners in the morning or Powell class (see previous blog) was the group that made compasses to find out if the Earth has a magnetic field, and in the afternoon Dalton class the group that used a magnetic powered boat to see if the magnetic force can do work. I'm so proud of them for giving an excellent presentation in front of all the parents and judges.

Science Fair I

We've been working on our first grade science fair project (and competition) for about a month (maybe more). It all came down to yesterday's presentations in front of the parents and family and judges. The competition was between classes at the same level - four first grade classes and one second grade class.

Our Science Fair topic focused on magnets. In each class we had four groups of 4 or 5 students in each group. Each group had a question about magnets that they had to answer doing experiments.

This is the text of our parent handout for one of our classes.

Welcome to the 2008 Science Fair. The students have worked very hard to bring you their science programs. We hope you enjoy them.

The main focuses of our 2008 Science Fair are based both in science and with exposing students to working successfully in small groups.

The students conducted experiments and learned how to express the results of those experiments in a presentation and also on their science boards.

Students also experienced the challenges and rewards of working together in small groups. I’m sure your son or daughter has a few stories to tell about working in groups.

The Groups

Group One – Deer (Jeff, Emily, Coco, Joanna, Maxine)

Science Question:

“Is the Magnetic Force of Larger Magnets Stronger than the Magnetic Force of Smaller Magnets?”

Group Two - Rabbits (Ingrid, Laina, Evan, Penny)

Science Question:

“Does the Earth have a Magnetic Field?”

Group Three – Owls (Jeffery, Darren, Josh, Patrick, Philippe)

Science Question:

“Are Larger Magnets Stronger than Smaller Magnets?”

Group Four – Powells (Annika, Claire, Johnny, Angel)

Science Question:

“Can Magnets Do Work When They Attract and Repel?”

Feeling Better \ A Play

Feeling better now. The homesickness is passing. I went a play the other night. Very entertaining. It was written, produced and directed by a couple at my school. It was about woman and based on 100 interviews. It was called "Woman, The Final Act."

Sunday Homesickness

So, I wake up today early, 4 am. Feeling homesick. So I just fall asleep. My wife calls me at 7. "Where are you?" She is upset. She should be. We were supposed to take a little trip this morning. I'm too self-absorbed with the homesickness to go. I don't want to go anywhere. Just home. Back to my friends, loved ones, etc.

Since I can't go back right now this is what I did at 8am.

Homesick and Gardenias

They do smell good!

Home sicknesses is real. It comes and goes and many different things can set it off. I have it again. It's been around for a couple of days. I miss my friends in Hawaii and the Aina (land) there. Thursday I bought some gardenias at Costco. Perhaps they are the catalyst for this latest bout of homesickness.

I really love it here in Taiwan too. My family here is kind and wonderful. Some of the land is beautiful. My job is fantastic. Yet the homesickness persists.

I do have a trip to the mainland and Hawaii in August.

Future Clothes

I did a lesson on future clothes in our Windows to the World class. We watched a little Jetsons video and a strange piece on You Tube about fashion. The kids used recycled materials to make their clothes. They really got to be first graders and had a good time. I really love teaching these kids.

Rice Paddy and Rice Paddy with Old Building

This is the ride home from Changhua to Taichung. The price of rice, wheat and other food staples has risen and continues to rise a lot. Here the answer to the high prices is very Capitalist. Plant more rice. This is a common field of rice seen all over Taiwan. In some areas of the country farmers, really small farmers, plant only 1 time a year. In other areas they plant up to 4 times a year. The dark green rice paddies are very beautiful.

Hsaio Liuchui and thoughts

Vase rock on an early morning walk.

Fish farm nets, I think.




We went on a trip to an island off the west coast of southern Taiwan. It was fantastic. Clean water and air, fish and country feeling and a nice time with Annie. The island reminded me of home in Hawaii.

Life is going well here in Taiwan. My job is challenging and rewarding. The first graders are really something. Kids are the same throughout the world. The schoolwork load that they have here is quite extensive. We just finished our mid-term reading and science exams. Yes, I gave the first graders a midterm. It was 13 pages and had 100 answers. One class took 2 hours and the other about 1 and half hours. The scores ranged from 83% to 100%.

Ummmmmm, I don't recall taking a test let alone a 100 answer midterm in early elementary school. Of course, I don't remember doing too much about that time but I do remember some things. Nap time, magnets, getting spanked, Sally and Jane, Dick and Spot, blocks, bird eggs and Mrs. Mansfield who didn't seem to like me, baseball and running away from school a couple of time, oh and a girl who played the violin.


No sunburn please.

Butterflies and First Graders

We've been reading about Butterflies in our H.M. US first grade reading book. So I took the first graders out to the school butterfly cage. I love first graders. How they see the world...Check out the video.

Another Wonderful Sunday Morning Trip - Oyster Beds

The sticks show where the oysters are.



I have started to really love these little trips with Annie on Sunday mornings. Really fun exploring the area on scooter. Scooters are really fun. If you get the opportunity, try one out.

Back to the Sunday morning, it's like the weekend is extended another day.

Couple of oyster workers walking on the flats. I do love the oysters here.
Honey and I, with lighthouse in the background.

Here are some movies of our early morning scooter trip to the oyster beds in Changhua County along the Taiwan Straight. The first one at night is the bridge I have to cross when I go to Changhau from Taichung. The rest of the videos are of the oyster farmers going to work. I suggest watching them all in a row. They're pretty interesting. I would have made one movie but it'd take too long to download.

What's for dinner? Hello everyone

It's Sunday evening. My honey is working in the kitchen. She says hi to everyone!

Sunday Morning Ride

The hippy couple. I wear the orange jacket so I can be seen on my scooter.

I decided to do something different this morning. Now that the weather is warming it's nice to take a morning scooter ride. So I took the back roads to Changhua (from Taichung) and picked up my wife. We went to see the blooming flower fields but they were changed to rice paddies. I guess the price of rice is up (maybe because of the food to gasoline process going on now?).

"Soil Analysis" Science Class and Other Classroom Things

I asked the students to draw a picture of their scientific findings....hummm...did they all get the concept? Interesting soil...


We had a great science class last week. We analysed what was in the soil in our school yard. The students had a great time but a lot of them didn't get some of the scientific points of the analyses.

This was evident when they filled in their science notebooks. They were supposed to list the ingredients that they put in the groups and then draw pictures of the groups. The did have some it down and some spoke well in their interviews. As far as the science notebook went....Well, they sure did have fun. After all, they are first graders in a second language environment.

I had fun too but at times it was a juggle between loose class management (noise) and science exploration and fun. Where is the line between order and creative expression and learning? I felt I was on the head of the balance tip many times and told myself to error in the favor of creative expression and fun. So, since it is my class, and the school gives plenty of freedom to their teachers, I did. But really, where is the boundary? Especially in an ESL environment.

Usually, when the students come to class at the beginning of the day, there is a lot of bantering and talking - bull shitting in adult terms - going on. How much of this should I let go on? I let some go then cut it off. They do their bantering among themselves in English - their second language. I think their should be a class called bull shitting for about 40 minutes a day to help improve their English. Why not? Imagine your child or you having to learn Chinese curriculum in Chinese text? And you're only in the first grade...

Fish Kill

There' s a news story here about a fish kill off the west coast Taiwan islands caused by a "cold front." They said the cold front caused the water to become cold enough to kill the fish but this didn't make sense to me. Water doesn't get that cold from the air that quickly and it hasn't even been freezing at sea level. Here's the false story on BBC. It just doesn't make sense to me. I thought it had to be human activity related.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7260000/newsid_7260200/7260230.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&asb=1&news=1&bbcws=1


Then yesterday the real story - it was weather-related. In the past month or so there was a lot of record-breaking snow in mainland China - especially during the Lunar New Year. The weather warmed a bit and all that record snow started melting and pouring into the Taiwan Straits sending massive quantities of near freezing water into the Taiwan Straits causing the cold water to overwhelm and kill the fish. I hope some scientists somewhere are examining this phenomena as it could give insights global warming impacts in the future.

Taroko trip on Scooter

Nice bridge. I've wanted to cross it for two years but it is still closed. Not finished yet. I guess that's okay. I don't want to cross before it's really safe!

Taiwan has some of the most beautiful places in the world, all hidden behind the urban garbage jungle.
"Honey, come on!" My wife doesn't like me taking chances. I love taking chances in nature. I really don't like taking chances in human life....hummm why is that? What about you? Do you love taking chances?

Yet more East Coast

I want to buy any land hear because I know the "Hawaii Effect" and, believe it or not, the "Toledo" effect on the value of coastal lands. People want it, it's only a matter of time here. Even in Toledo the value of lake front property increased. But I just want to live there as I get old. But family here tells me not to buy.

More Lunar New Year East Coast trip

Li-Wen looking at the view from the Boat House Home Stay.
There is a mountain view and an ocean view. As I ask my students, which is the mountain and which is the other?
Humm here is the mountain. The Boat B&B is set between the mountain and the ocean. It's really perfect. We're looking for land to buy like this.



This place reminds me of Hawaii although the price doesen't. Our landlords are aborigial Taiwanese. The father plays guitar. We ordered dinner for $200 NTD each (about $7 US. )
It was really good.

Leaving Changhua on the 5:50am train. Five hours later we arrive in Hualian. In a couple of hours we'll catch a bus south.

View from the Hualian train station.

On the bus South to the Boat House, "Home Stay," another name for a bed and breakfast.

Family New Year Fun

This is the first day of Lunar New Year also known as Chinese New Year. It last six days this year. It's traditional for every one to do their spring cleaning during this period, so the water ways are very dirty. I stayed home in our Taichung house for as long as I could so I wouldn't get stuck with cleaning in our other home in Changhua - bad and babyish I know. Well here I am in Changhua hanging the protection and make money paper.

Here is video of the family New Year dinner. Yummmm!
Of course a New Year Dinner must have some good scotch!

Lunar New Year Costco Shopping

In Taiwan the Lunar New Year is "the" holiday of the year. Most people are off work from February 6 and go back to work February 12. The exception being western type businesses like 7-11, MacDonalds, KFC and even Costco. People shop for food for the special holiday dinner that is tonight Feb. 6. The streets in all the cities will be very empty during that time. However, right now the streets are full of cars and scooters of people going home. I'll be one of the scooter drivers in about 10 minutes. Yikes!

Scooter Accident in Front of our Apartment

Scary, scary and more scary. This just happened a few minutes ago.

I drive a scooter almost every day. It's the way to get around most of Taiwan. In the largest cities, Taipei and Kaoshone, you can use the mass transit mostly because they have an MRT. But here in central Taiwan, I have to use a scooter.

Today I'll drive from Taichung to Changhua, about an hour and ten minute drive. I will have my 360 degree sensors on but what can you do if someone just smashes into you?

This is what happens after a scooter accident. It looks like a van didn't stop and hit the scooter which had the right of way. It's the first day of Chinese New Year holiday and everyone is trying to get home for dinner tonight - including me.

Vacation to Taroko National Park

This is Taroko Gorge National Park. What a place. We went there as part of our winter break \ Lunar New Year trip. Good fun!

Rain wasn't too bad especially if you're equiped with a plastic baggie rain coat (it came with the scooter). The flip flops or slippers weren't a probelem up to this point. I changed here because of the cold.

We took a scooter ride to Taroko Gorge National Park. It was really awesome to be on the scooter. Almost like riding on a "real" motorcycle. We rented the scooters so they were new and in good shape. Taroko is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

This shine was built to honor those who died building the road. I think there were 80 or so who died. This is one of the higher cliffs in Taroko.

Nature Hit

I really needed a hit of nature. It's been too much urban for me. So my wife and I went to a couple of B&Bs on the East Coast of Taiwan. This is really where I'd love to live but finding $$$s there is the problem. We are working on it. Here's the lovely Pacific Ocean.