Homework calendar

In addition to being able to book sit-down time I’ve put up the homeworks onto the calendar here - in addition to the one in the VLE so you can see due dates and tasks etc!

Google Cal or “making time!”

In order that I can guarantee you all my time and attention to the fullest I’ve decided to open up my calendar to you.

I’ve set up the calander so that you can book lunchtimes or after-school sessions to sit down with me one to one (or in groups if you like) and work on any problems you have. These can be related to homework, class work, learning in general or anything else you want!

Obviously you don’t have to book these sessions - you’re quite welcome to drop in as always -  however you run the risk of not finding me or finding that I’m already dealing with someone.

If you don’t have a Gmail account or have other difficulties then feel free to email me your request.

New! google calander integration!

you’ll see over on ther right a feed which should remind you of what homeworks will be due etc!

Coming soon - bookable time for working on problems etc!

Tricky problem of the week!

A fountain consists of a small hemispherical rose (sprayer) which lies on the surface of the water in a basin. The rose has many evenly distributed small holes in it through which water spurts at the same speed in all directions.

What is the shape of the water “bell” formed by the jets?

Ibex into space

Nasa’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (Ibex) spacecraft has been launched into Earth orbit to study the edge of our Solar System.

Ibex was launched on Sunday aboard a Pegasus rocket that was dropped from a jet flying over the Pacific Ocean.

It is the first probe to study particle interactions at the boundary where our Solar System meets interstellar space.

The two-year mission should shed light on the decline of the solar wind, which is at its lowest pressure in 50 years.

The interstellar boundary is the point in space at which the particles emitted from the Sun begin to compete with those from elsewhere in the galaxy and all sorts of strange things occur….

…read more at the BBC

6 gig of free storage!

Incredibly useful for those of us with limitted space on school networks, I’ve been using Orbitfiles lately with much success.

you can access it from anywhere and set-up couldn’t be simpler - all you need to do is type your e-mail address in the box and you’ll receive an e-mail with links to your area.

Try it! -

Mind Map software

One of the best ways to mind-map is to use pen and paper to sketch out your ideas however there are a few programs that help you produce really slick looking maps suitable for wall display etc:

http://www.mindmeister.com - is a “web 2.0″ online mind-mapping tool

http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page - is the home of Freemind, a free tool that I’ve used for years with great success and comes personally reccomended

For a short time you can get Concept-draw, a very expensive tool ($200) totally free!

Download here:

http://www.download.com/ConceptDraw-MINDMAP-5-Professional/3000-2075_4-10390694.html

Apply for the key here:

http://www.conceptdraw.com/registration/mm5special.php

Mind-Mapping

A mind map is a diagram of related information around a central idea. Wikipedia says a mind map is:

An image-centered diagram that represents semantic or other connections between portions of information. By presenting these connections in a radial, non-linear graphical manner, it encourages a brainstorming approach to any given organizational task, eliminating the hurdle of initially establishing an intrinsically appropriate or relevant conceptual framework to work within.

You start with a central idea, phrase or word which represents the main topic. Then, from that point, you create sub sections, which can have sub sections, and so on. A mind map is a visual outline that encourages free-form thinking and instant capture.

Here’s a great example (click for big):

They’re a fantastic way to organize your revision and to get an overview of a concept. Creating them can also be a good way to learn ideas for recall later - try taking notes in this form one day.

This is not to say that mind maps are for everyone. They may NOT be for you.

What I suggest, though, is even if you don’t think they’re for you but you haven’t tried it, next time you need to brainstorm something or take quick notes, keep it in mind as an option.

Resistance of a wire investigation..

It looks like the first major investigation year 11 are to do is the resistance of a wire practical.

A few things to remember here guys:

As the above tells us, resistance, cross section and length are all linked and modified by a constant based on the material properties.

Our Control Variables then should be anything that isn’t resistance….

A simpsons Mr Rowing?

I think I’ll use this handsome fellow in my lessons!