Mapping America - Census Data by Zip Code

Something to check out...
Free Technology for Teachers: Mapping America - Census Data by Zip Code:  www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/12/mapping-america-...=Feed: freetech4teachers/cGEY (Free Technology for Teachers)&utm_content=Google Feedfetcher
http://chum.ly/n/565627

Dropbox Update

Need to update. Great free service..
The Dropbox Blog » Blog Archive » Dropbox hits 1.0!:  blog.dropbox.com/?p=581
http://chum.ly/n/5146b0

Christmas Break Goal

Going to experiment during the Christmas break...Will try to cook at every meal instead of going out...with exception of tamales, those are a requirement for Christmas meal :-) So will look for some cookbooks...wonder if this free one will help?
 www.amazon.com/Fine-Filipino-Food-ebook/dp/B002JVX...r=1-3
http://chum.ly/n/50470e

GMail-Email Delegation

This sounds like it would be very useful :-)
gmailblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/email-delegation-gr....html
http://chum.ly/n/4fdeb3

Edmodo - Great Educational Resource

Created an account a while ago but just haven't had time to figure out how to use it. Ideas?
Edmodo | Secure Social Learning Network for Teachers and Students:  www.edmodo.com/home
http://chum.ly/n/4f9177

Periodic Table - Chrome Extension

Nice little periodic table as a chrome extension. Provides quick access some basic info
 https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/jnohccki..
http://chum.ly/n/4f88a4

Periodic Table - Chrome Extension

Nice little periodic table as a chrome extension. Provides quick access some basic info
http://chum.ly/n/4f8877

Using Karotypes

Using Karotypes to identify generic diseases...initial set up before pairing  

http://chum.ly/n/4e3f6e

DNA Extraction Experiment

Performed a DNA extraction experiment in the UTPA BioTech bus sponsored by HHMI. Final result, my DNA in the vial shown :-)  

 

 

http://chum.ly/n/4e29f3

DNA Keychain

The DNA keychain...before and after twist (to show double helix)  

 

http://chum.ly/n/4e1da2

Region One Activity

Today's lesson starts with creating a DNA keychain  

http://chum.ly/n/4e1c41

Molecular Geometries/Polarity

Two resources I currently use when discussing molecular geometries and polarity.
goo.gl/avY3N - a PPT I created

http://www.chemeddl.org/resources/models360/index.php - Models 360 from ChemED DL

Models in PPT were created using ChemSketch from ACDLabs - a great free program for educators and students

http://chum.ly/n/4dae6e

Mahjong Chem

Just can't help myself...It's pulling me in...I must play!! :-D
Found this on the Chrome web store...
 https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adnhkkkm..
http://chum.ly/n/4d668d

International Year of Chemistry

Need to start getting ready!! :-)
IYC 2011 - International Launching Ceremony - Activities - IYC 2011:  

http://www.chemistry2011.org/participate/activities/show?id=1

http://chum.ly/n/4d5477

Chrome Web Store

Checking out the Chrome web store for available Apps, Extensions, Themes and other stuff :-)
 https://chrome.google.com/webstore..
http://chum.ly/n/4d4753

FlexBooks for STEM Courses

Still need to go back and check this website out. I just need to make time to edit the books that can then be used in the classrooms. They can be used in their current forms but want to arrange them in a particular order for Chemistry

 CK12.ORG (expand)www.ck12.org/flexr - FlexBooks:  www.ck12.org/flexr http://chum.ly/n/4cf8eb

Free Books in Google eBookstore (Android)

Was wondering how to get to the free books in Google's eBookstore...so did the following...
Click on Books App, clicked on magnifying glass, type in search term, click search, you will get a list of priced books, go to the bottom, click View more results, will take you to internet, now you can select Free (upper right hand), and you will get the list of free books :-) http://chum.ly/n/4cbba1

Google eBookstore

Need to check this out. They even have apps for it :-)
Official Google Blog: Discover more than 3 million Google eBooks from your choice of booksellers and devices:  googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/discover-more-than...=Feed: blogspot/MKuf (Official Google Blog)&utm_content=Google Feedfetcher http://chum.ly/n/4c16f2

2011 - International Year of Chemistry

Time to think about how you will celebrate the 2011 International Year of Chemistry. Join the Committee on Community Activities and the International Activities Committee as they share information about the outreach plans for 2011 -- focusing on the 1st and 2nd quarter themes. The webinar will also feature videos of hands-on activities that can be used during your outreach events. Register now for the webinar that will be on Tuesday, December 7th, 6:30--8:00 p.m. (est). Lynn Hogue will be leading the webinar and it is FREE!
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/141101467.. http://chum.ly/n/4c10eb

The Warrior's Way

Really enjoyed this movie :-)
Had the perfect mix of story, action and a bit of cheesyness that I think all great movies should have in them. ;-) http://chum.ly/n/4ba6a4

WinAmp/DoubleTwist on EVO

Was going to try both of these for wireless sync. Unfortunately DoubleTwist requires an additional download for a cost so didn't try it. No way I'm paying for something that I don't even know works. Tried WinAmp. Downloaded the Android App and Desktop App. This requires you to have a wireless network. It was easy enough to discover phone on desktop app. Created playlist on WinApp, desktop, after importing iTunes music. And then right-clicked on playlist and sent it to my phone :-) Messed up first time, error, I guess it is a beta :-) But worked perfectly the second time. I could probably have just connected the phone to laptop but this is a lot more convenient. Start up apps, create a playlist, and then leave alone for a bit as it uploads it. I didn't want to sync since I don't want all my songs on the phone. http://chum.ly/n/4b8069

Google Earth Engine

Not sure how much I can use it in class but maybe an Environmental or Earth Science teacher could.
 blog.google.org/2010/12/introducing-google-earth-e....html http://chum.ly/n/4b44a7

Chrome 8

Chrome 8! Need to update browser! :-)
 thenextweb.com/google/2010/12/02/chrome-8-comes-ou...luded http://chum.ly/n/4b2794

My Lump of Coal

Picked up this sample of lignite at this year's CAST conference.
 www.statweb.org/cast  

http://chum.ly/n/4b1af3

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

Never heard of this group...heard the song on Pandora...
 

http://chum.ly/n/497a85

Time to Change My Netflix Subscription

I really enjoy Netflix steaming and use it quite often and I haven't used the DVD option in months, reminds me that I need to find that MacGyver DVD and return it, so definitely going to switch to all streaming. :-)
 blog.netflix.com/2010/11/new-plan-for-watching-ins....html:  blog.netflix.com/2010/11/new-plan-for-watching-ins....html http://chum.ly/n/489f22

Google Docs Community on YouTube

I ran across this particular community on YouTube. Could be a good place to learn how to use these Google Docs a little better :-)
 

http://chum.ly/n/48784b

Problems with Google Docs links in Phone

I encountered a problem and wondered if anyone else has come across this and perhaps a solution. I was given a link at a conference I recently attended and when I typed it into my Android phone it took me to my Google docs but it didn't show the person's google doc. I kept trying but just kept taking me to my google docs. When I tried on laptop, it took me straight to that person's info. I even tried it in incognito mode so I wasn't signed into my Google account and still took me to the docs files. Any thoughts? Could it be due to accessing Google Docs through phone? http://chum.ly/n/4870a5

Region One

Immune system training
 

My lab notebook  

http://ibuzz.cc/n/ad51

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

Liking Table of Elements app in the Android market http://chum.ly/n/430fd3

HEADS UP Training at Region One

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/405bab

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

Looks like an interesting tool from Adobe...  blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2010/10/introducing-....html http://chum.ly/n/3e7a9e

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

Pondering the chem demos to do for this year's Halloween Spooktacular :-) This was my list from last year..what to add..  https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AXzvOCdOnA6dZGM.. http://chum.ly/n/3e6d71

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

!htctalk
Ran across a problem with Qik today. It got stuck on waiting and would not upload videos. Apparently it got disconnected from service. I was getting really bad connection problems at RenFest since it's out in the middle of nowhere so it probably caused disconnect. Found answer to problem on get satisfaction website...
"Please go to the Record screen, and make sure that the dot next to the Qik icon is green (connected), if it is red, tap it and it will connect. Now the videos should upload successfully" Just a little FYI :-) http://chum.ly/n/3c00ba

Arrived at RenFest

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/3bcc95

RT @azareal: Glow in the Dark Slime

Here's a fun Halloween chemistry project for you. Make some glowing slime! This recipe is ...  bit.ly/aRNGHnchemistry.about.com/b/2010/10/15/glow-in-the-dark-...e.htm http://chum.ly/n/3b6860

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

At BLA for a presentation by Dr. Wheeler from UT Austin, astronomer. http://chum.ly/n/391769

My Life as a Reader

My first entry for the blogging challenge that  @Holtsman set up…..  onceuponateacher.blogspot.com/2010/09/are-you-read....html

My life as a reader started off around middle school. A neighbor introduced to me to comic books. I really enjoyed this type of “book.” I especially enjoyed The Fantastic Four and Spiderman. I guess the main appeal of these two titles was the science involved. I guess that could be what eventually leads to my career as a science teacher.
For a long time, comic books were all I read. I thought novels were way too long! I occasionally read science magazines, Discover and Scientific American. Even in high school, I read snippets of the assigned novels, just could not get myself to read. All this changed in the Air Force. My first weekend of work in Spain changed my attitude. I was able to finish all my work for a 12 hour shift in 40 minutes so it left me 11 hours and 20 minutes just sitting around so I definitely needed something to do. That afternoon I went to the store and found some novels for sale. I decided that they had to be novels for just enjoyment, a little escapism. I latched on to fantasy books, wizards, dragons and dark elves, from the Forgotten Realms. And the rest is history. I’m not sure how many fantasy books I have read but it’s been a lot. It’s almost like I was making up for all the years that I had not read novels. I would start a book in the morning and continue reading until I finished it in the evening.
My favorite genre should be apparent, fantasy, though I have been dabbling in horror. I just love zombie movies so have tried out some zombie books. For fantasy books, my favorite authors are R.A. Salvatore, Mercedes Lackey, Raymond E. Feist and J.K. Rowling. For horror books, my favorite author is Brian Keene. My favorite reading spot is on the bed.
These days I still read comic books, especially web comics, along with fantasy and horror novels but I do read quite a bit of technology from Chum.ly, Techmeme and Twitter.

** I would like to stress that I am a Chemistry teacher and not an English teacher so please excuse any grammatical errors ** http://chum.ly/n/38de9f

RT @pretzej: Techie Teacher Talks

Introducing the Technology Support Committee  t.co/BKpJcPUtechieteachertalks.blogspot.com/2010/09/introducin...ef=tw via  @blogger http://chum.ly/n/334294

Post from efrenr at CHUM.LY

Morning All! Having Chem 3 students perform an esterification to get different odors, using different acids and alcohols. :-)  www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alcohols/esterifi....html http://chum.ly/n/31c41f

Post from at CHUM.LY

!htctalk
Was having problems with App Inventor. Would not upload picture for tutorial app, HelloPurr. Went through troubleshooting, not enough info. Tried the App Inventor Google group and it had the answer to my problem :-)
Thanks to  @AdmiralJamin...

"I had the same issue mentioned above (SD card mounts despite being in
charge only mode) and after some searching i found a fix for the
problem.
The music player app doubletwist has a default-enabled checkbox that
forces the SD to mount every time you connect to the PC. Go to the app
settings, uncheck the box, restart the pc connection, and you should
be good.
Of course, if you don't have doubletwist then that's no help, but
there may be other apps with a similar option in their settings, so
have a look through your apps and check. " http://chum.ly/n/2f9807

Post from at CHUM.LY

Really enjoying the teacher resources emailed to me by SIFT,  www.cpet.ufl.edu/sift http://chum.ly/n/2e8d22

A Strike and 21.95 mph...

 
I'm slowly warming up...  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2d931f

The Calm Before The Storm :-)

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2d8ed0

Lime Water and Carbon Dioxide

 
Resulting precipitate from reaction is calcium carbonate  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cf030

Mixtures

 
Two compounds in water. Sodium chloride is soluble in water and calcium carbonate is insoluble  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cebfb

Setting up Thermometer

 
Solution has contracted when placed in cold water and expanded when placed in hot water. R marking was at room temp  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cea7c

Making Our Thermometer :-)

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2ce967

Discussion of Kinetic Energy

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2ce31a

Difference Between Closed and Open System

 
Originally same size, but after pressure is applied, a change in volume can be seen  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cdca6

Testing Properties of Gas Particles

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cd99d

Chemical Rxn Producing a Gas

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cd980

Learning Pyramid

 
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cd559

Teacher Training at Region One

 
Chemical Interactions presented by FOSS/Delta Education  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2cd558

Formula Writing Activity

 
Using dice for formula writing activity for first day for PreAP Chem based on summer work.  tinyurl.com/2ah66sy  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2b1e4c

Testing Fousquare on Chum.ly Integration

 
Picture posted to different sites with Foursquare link with text. Thanks for the idea  /alex  
 
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/26459c

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

uteachpbi.blogspot.com http://chum.ly/n/24ff45

Dr. Tony Petrosino, Legacy Cycle

 
Discussing the Legacy Cycle model for teaching  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/24ff43

Discussing TWDB

 
Discussing what the water development board does in or state  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/24feb7

Teacher Workshop at UTIG

 
For next three days, I'll be in Austin at the Institute of Geophysics for a discussion of an online class and associated activities for water in Texas.  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/24f2e6

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

Evening/Morning Chums!
Hope everyone, especially Gwen, had a great day or will have a great day! :-)
Updated blog with pics, if you are interested, is up. It was a long day but a good day. Still feel a little giddy since I was able to shake Ms. Nichols hand :-D Laters All.
 rgvsa.blogspot.com http://chum.ly/n/23b577

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

I got too shake Nichelle Nichols hand! Yay!! I know I'm a geek and proud of it :-) http://chum.ly/n/237936

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

Heading to Kennedy Space Center :-) http://chum.ly/n/231877

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

Arrived at Cocoa Beach, just keeping I Dream of Jeannie :-D http://chum.ly/n/2314e3

Finally back on the road

 
After an interesting night, we are back on the road through Louisiana. Thanks Rice Palace restaurant and Days Inn for their hospitality.  www.rgvsa.blogspot.com  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/22ec81

Current View

 
Current view from the back of the bus. We just crossed into Louisiana.  
(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/22ac55

Was just reminded of something

I had forgotten how coming from a low income family did not allow for any type of travel. This is the first time some of these girls have been outside of Texas. They were surprised at how many states we were going through to get to Florida. Maybe that is why I enjoy road trips so much :-) http://chum.ly/n/22ac04

Sitting down for a meal at Whataburger

 
 
(enlarge)(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/22a61f

First Assignment

 
Our future astronauts have accomplished their first mission :-D  
(enlarge)(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/22a20c

Heading to Florida

 
Looking at a 24 hour drive :-D  
(enlarge)(Link)
http://chum.ly/n/2296ea

Post from E. Rodriguez at CHUM.LY

Back at home after mini vacation. Off Saturday, then will be a chaperone for RGVSA-Girls in Science Blast Off,  www.rgvsa.org, for a week. Going to Kennedy Space Center! http://chum.ly/n/222a46

At the beach :-)

 
Relaxing at the beach  chum.ly/attachment/4499 http://chum.ly/n/2205c9

GPS based apps causing reboot of EVO

 Do the following :
Step one, call Sprint and get your msl code (unlock code).
Step two open the phone dialer and press “##GPSCLRX#
Step three input the code given to you from sprint (phone will reboot in 20 seconds)

Then launch your GPS programs and you will notice they work

*** Hoping that solves the problem. It has worked so far. Thanks to mjohnson2468 who provided the answer in several forums *** http://chum.ly/n/210afb

Testing netbook

Testing netbook...

Testing

Testing iPads

Sunday's Activities

Go to lunch, buy a few items at Big Lots, check out pawn shops for calculators & buy shredder at Office Depot
I reckon that is everything, unless there is something else my wife wants :-)
(maybe watch Predators) http://chum.ly/n/207348

Trying out Screen Cut for Dolphin browser

 
A web page capture extension for Dolphin browser. One of my favorite web comics, Dominic Deegan  

(enlarge)

(shrink)

http://chum.ly/n/1ffab4

Using Chum.ly to post to Wordpress and Blogger/Blogspot

Quick little video to show how to post to those services and include a title. Enjoy :-)
 http://www.vimeo.com/13392453 http://chum.ly/n/1f872e

Friday's Events

Make a video, watch some movies and check my Chum.ly timeline http://chum.ly/n/1f86ea

This is just so Awesome!: RT @alyankovic

Here’s the cover of my children’s book (out next March on HarperCollins)  

http://chum.ly/n/1f2983

Dolphin Browser HD

Can I just say that I Love this browser for Android! I keep creating gesture shortcuts for url. Just made a quick shortcut for replies and mentions for Chum.ly :-) http://chum.ly/n/1ee5bb

Post from E. Rodriguez at IBUZZ.CC

Done setting up a new  Wordpress.com blog. Now what? :-) http://ibuzz.cc/n/113e

Chem Is Try ACT2 shirt

 
Shirt we received at conference. Also testing Chum.ly email post for title for Blogger :-)  

http://chum.ly/n/1b480e

ACT2 Biennial Conference 2010

Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas conference starts today, well in several hours :-) Will see what new info I pick up and I always do. Some great chemistry teachers putting on some great presentations. I will post any info, pictures, videos and documents of anything I can share.

Chum.ly : Social Super Site

Recently started using Chum.ly for social interactivity. I am really enjoying the features that it offers. Besides the normal ones that social sites have, chum.ly allows for much longer posts, adding location, attaching all types of files, social aggregator/publisher, and on ....

So I am still experimenting but this looks like it will be "the one" for me :-)

So go and try it and you will see what I mean.

Reusing/Restarting this Blog

This was one of my first blogs and I used it for my experiences for being an RET at UMass due to sponsorship by the National Science Foundation through the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). I have since made blogs for other summer activities: http://www.blogger.com/profile/13102621463030097778

The My Tech Ponderings did not work out as well, perhaps it was a little too much to shoot for :-)

But I want to come back and use this one since its specifically what I use for my email and other correspondences. But I don't plan on erasing it, so it will just be the starting entries.

I want to use it to discuss any new resources I come across or start using in the classroom. Also, it would allow me a place to share any ideas I discover at conferences.

Will Blog Soon,
Efren (MyChemistry)