Pinterest Inspiration: Cup Light and Chalkboard Paint

Yeah, my lab is something I'm proud of. My hubby poured his love into making it and I can't begin to count the hours I've put into researching, developing, and writing all the curriculum I use for the labs. This page is dedicated specifically for the two items that I use in the lab that were Pinterest Inspirations: chalkboard paint and the cup light.

 

I know I'm going out of order, but I want to talk about the light first...because it's awesome and has such a bigger impact that I even imagined it would.  The light is simply made: plastic cups, a stapler, a light cord, and I used zip ties to connect the light and cups.  I followed all the directions here  and the author did a great job of explaining it well. My light cord was purchased at IKEA for $2.99 and the blue cups from The Dollar Tree for a dollar for 16. I estimate that I spent about $10. The light is huge...nearly three feet in diameter and it lets out only a little light, which is perfect. I use my projector almost all day and need dim lighting. The students called it a disco light and because they know I geek out to recycling, they thought it was awesome that is made from recyclable materials :)

Now, on to the chalkboard paint.  I wanted the blue surfaces on the desk to be written on like blueprint paper, just like on MythBusters, so it was necessary to find chalkboard paint. Through Pinterest, I found Martha Stewart's recipe which called for unsanded grout and paint. That's it! Measure accordingly, mix, roll on, condition (taking chalk and writing, then wiping off), and enjoy! I was so surprised with how easy it was...and how awesome it looks!  THANKS PINTEREST!!!

Pinterest Inspiration: Pets in the Classroom Grant!!

I'm thankful for Pinterest for so many reasons.  While perusing one day, I came across a Pets in the Classroom pin.  Pets in the Classroom provides grants for teachers looking to establish a classroom pet in their rooms and/or provide funding for pets already being cared for in the classroom. Since I have seven hermit crabs, two hamsters, and a class bunny (all who have needed new homes from other students/teachers), I was quite intrigued. I filled out the application. I honestly didn't expect much because I knew this was a national campaign and I was just one teacher. But, lo-and-behold, I received a letter this week congratulating me on being awarded $100 for my animals! Woot!!  I cannot wait to buy a surplus of goodies, treats, and food for my babies. Thanks so much, The Pet Care Trust!!

If you are interested in applying for your classroom animal, please be sure to visit http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/ .  They've awarded over 7000 grants in two years, so give it a shot!

My Classroom: New MythBusters Science Lab!

Each month, I hold an after school MythBusters club where 30 of my students stay from 3:15-5:30 to complete a cool experiment using the scientific method start to finish (data and all), eat pizza, and watch an episode of the real MythBusters show. The fainting goats and creamer cannon are an annual favorite...and you can't forget the Lego Ball!

When I moved my lab into my room, I realized I needed a more proper experiment area and storage. So, after half a year of dreaming and designing, grant writing, and building, my classroom's MythBusters themed Science Lab station is finished. My wonderful husband took my ideas, combined them with his brainstorming, and created the station, while I designed and researched shelving for storage. It is absolutely beautiful! 

 These are the basic shots of the lab. If you'd like to view our photos of the building process, click to our FaceBook album here.

Before: in August, I changed my classroom library to my current science station. I wanted to get my science equipment out of my closet and in front of my students. I found out quickly that it was difficult to keep organized...and little fingers off of certain things!

 

 

 

The new storage area: The tall cases are the Billy series from IKEA with a glass door, keeping small fingers off of important or fragile equipment. The cubbies are HUGE and hold a tremendous amount of items (one of these holds ALL the plastic graduated cylinders I had on the original shelves) 

 

We moved the unit from our garage to the classroom on a Monday, but the next MythBusters wasn't until Thursday. So, to create suspense and anticipation, we kept it a surprise...

The finished lab, sans chalk

Chalked up, just like on the show, with magnet results signs.

My wonderful husband and me!

During the MythBusters club. Our experiment was to determine which bubble solution would produce the largest bubble. Hint: glycerin is amazing!

Excited? ABSOLUTELY!!