"Algae specialists, long near the bottom of the biology food chain, are becoming the rock stars."

Bourne, National Geographic, Oct. 2007

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Like a maelstrom, hits the new semester

The start of the new semester reminds me of a physics problem.  "Student A is already skating on thin ice (assume no friction).  If semester hits with velocity x, and student A is traveling at velocity y, at what point will student A either gain momentum or fall flat on her face?"

I'm shooting for the first option.

I will say that its going to be an exciting semester.  BioWriting is off to a good start and I expect the same from GeoWriting.  I'm actually taking classes again, so that's adding a little intensity - I'm doing selected readings with my adviser and working through Education Research.  Also, I have signed up for a mid-semester course, Project Wet, Wild, and Learning Tree.  This is exciting and will be lots of fun.  I do a lot of outreach activity, so these training sessions will not only give me credit, but will also be a really great resource.  I went through Project Wild in Texas, so I expect good things from Wet and Learning Tree.

On the outskirts of my periphery (I wish - everything seems front and center these days) is GTA, which is going strong.  We're up to 56 applicants, meaning I will have to tell six hopeful people that they'll have to wait until next year to participate.  Yarg.  I also need to apply to OSTA - the science coordinator for our local school district wants me to give a presentation on science writing.  As a Deadly Ninja of Science Communication, how can I refuse?  Exactly - I can't!  Plus, I see promoting authentic science and authentic science writing in our school systems as essential to college preparation and development of critical thinking skills.

Well, good deal.  I feel a little more centered this morning now that I have that out of my system.  Best to get started on the day, although I am hiding out in the Writing Center this morning with the assumption that no one will be coming to my office hours during this first week of classes!

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