Summer in Full Swing...

Some of you may remember those fateful days of grill robbery. Since taking up residence here we have lost two grills to the sticky fingers of metal pickers and those that Ben affectionately refers to as "crack heads looking for dough to feed their next hit." Grill #1 was only a small loss, it was just a little Smokey Joe left out to cool the coals. A few short days later, Ben's prize newspaper find of a Martha Stewart grill was apparently taken out the side gate and loaded up under the streetlight while we were sleeping!!
Grill #2 was a big loss! We "remembered the Alamo" for weeks with a small memorial in the form of the old utensils not taken with the grill that were just strewn about on the patio. Every time we walked into or out of the house the Martha was mourned. Pictured here is grill #3, my favorite of them all...the Coleman 4000!! This pretty babe gets to spend its nights safey parked in the garage!! We are taking no chances!! This is Ben a few weeks ago taking the Coleman 4000 on its maiden voyage, at least at this location, for once again this was a classified classic!!

Kaylynn and I joined in excitement and decided such an occasion clearly called for an alfresco dinner!! Therefore we also took the backyard furniture, courtesy of our dear late neighbor, for its maiden voyage! Since this time most every meal has visited the Coleman 4000 and when possible is eaten out of doors. The good news is, the Coleman 4000 and the backyard furniture are STILL IN OUR POSSESSION!!

Embrace the comma!

Well folks, I figured it's my (Ben's) turn for a post. As the self-acclaimed "ombudsman" for the blog, I have received an additional promotion to copy-editor after the "first run" of the blog goes to press. Some of you get to see the first run... written with the excitement that surpasses all comma usage and occasionally eclipses the desired word for something totally different. I wish you all could hear her write the blog and relay the stories... explosive laughter, I tell you! It's a great experience to watch. I, too think my wife is probably the best teacher I've met... though the names she comes up with for our future offspring is a different story. No more news at the moment other than additional chandeliers and light fixture finds at recent garage sales... pictures to follow later, I'm sure.

Ben

Saying Goodbye

Well today marks the last day of school!! A day that I have looked forward to for the past 181 school days! Though now that it is upon me I must say there is a part of my that will miss those kids!! You know that old saying, "You just don't know what you have til its gone." Yeah well truth be told...I had no idea what I had! Yesterday after school I had predicted my mood to be that of rejoicing and gladness, of extreme anticipation for what today held in store, but...after saying good bye to my two favorite classes who took their finals yesterday...I was...SAD!!
Let me explain the warmth in my heart via a play-by-play of yesterdays events. Yesterday was the day that my first hour class had to take their final. A few of them made it to class early, sat in the "projects" and decided they wanted to reminisce these last 181 days with me. It turned into a discussion of the things they learned/will remember from biology class (which of course very few of these things were related at all to biology):

Male student: "You know what I learned in here Mrs. Kunz? I learned that in this world there are winners AND there are losers!!"
Me: Soooooo...
Male student: "So you better get good at being both!!"
(Yeah, he was my favorite student of the year!!)
Female student #1: "No, what I will remember about Mrs. Kunz is that YOU HAVE TO HAVE A FAVORITE EVERYTHING!!"
Me: Or else...
Female student #1: "Or else, life is just TOO BORING!!"
Male student: "Yeah last night my brother (twin brother) and I were studying for biology (they of course had two different teachers, which is what he finds funny about this situation) and he was quizzing me. He asked me who the guy was that studied the pea plants, and I yelled out PAPA GENETICS!!!" (we all busted up laughing...he was of course referring to Gregor Mendel)
Female student #1: "Oh yeah, every time I think of him (which I am sure is often) I think about how he is your Biology Boyfriend...yep your Bio BF!!" (at this point I am laughing incredibly hard...oh the things they choose to remember!)
Male Student: "Mrs. Kunz would it be alright if we gave you a nickname...I mean we have Papa Genetics...I think you have to be Mama Bio!!" (more laughing!!)
Female Student #2 (preface: one of the flightier girls I have ever met): "Wait, I have one...I will always remember that there IS a such a thing as a stupid question!"
Female student from the back of the room: "Yeah, because you asked most of them!!"
Female student #2 just shrugs her shoulders and laughs...yeah she knew it was true!!

After the final was over the conversation all too quickly went into "When are you going to have a kid...we totally get to help name them!!" This stems from a topic that had been frequently visited throughout the school year whenever I came to a vocabulary word that I thought would make a good name for a kid...of course usually joking...but they took the game to heart and would try to beat me to saying it. Words like: Boreal, chaparral, flora, fauna...there was the given Gregor Mendel...Charlie (for Charles Darwin)...Watson and Crick (if I had twin boys)... Well [Male student] had apparently been pondering this and wanted to make sure he got his last suggestion in before the end of the year, "Mrs. Kunz I think you need to give some serious consideration to the name 'Gena' for a girl but spelled off the word 'genome.'" I thought that was a really good one...one of the more creative and even potential-holding names that was thrown out there all year!! I congratulated him and told him I would run it by Ben. Oh, and if you think this particular conversation was confined only to first hour... it was had in 3 of the 4 classes I saw yesterday...YEAH!!

Oh, and I did actually have one student in another class stay after and THANK ME...under his breath!! Really smart kid...just that he also happened to be a really lazy kid and, of course, needed to pay no attention to responsibility in the form of homework...which was resulting in a very low failing grade. Being as I don't accept late work, this was a problem... for there appeared to be no way out for him. Well, out of the grace and mercy pool, I made a deal with his study hall teacher that he would be spend the last two weeks of study hall in my room...in the middle of another one of my class he would have to walk in, grab a desk in the back of the room, pull it to the front of the room so that it was touching my desk, and sit in front of the class and do worksheet after worksheet, after assignment after assignment... to which I refused to give full credit to--since full credit could have been taken advantage of when it was originally assigned!! Anyways, he thanked me for helping out with his grade (ended up a D-) and for showing him he "didn't deserve to fail." I stopped him right there and informed him that he DID deserve to fail--as lazy as he was... but... for the amount of biology he knew (got an A on the final) he did NOT deserve to fail!! He of course promised to do better in Chemistry next year.

After each class finished their finals, and right before the bell would ring I ended each class the way I would ended a number of Fridays: with a speech that plays off some words of wisdom given to me by my dear ole' DAD: "Have a FANTASTIC summer and remember... make good choices... have a positive influence on someone... root for the underdog... be a friend to the friendless... smile at someone and mean it..." At this they would all laugh and roll their eyes... but I sure hope some of it sunk in!!!

Two of my favorite new stories!!

Today I had to make sure that I got to school early because I had to run some copies before first hour. So I was bookin it through the hall this morning when I ran into one of next year's AP Biology students. You see, I met with them all yesterday to pass out books, give them the summer assignment, and of course give a "pep talk." I had been preparing for this "pep talk" all year. I had so many things that I wanted to say that I had learned and wished I would have had the opportunity to say but I didn't. We went through all the formalities, I gave an award winning performance, and they left.
Fast forward to this morning, I ran into one of those young pups from yesterday. He was really nervous, fidgeting constantly and eye contact was sketch. "I'm really sorry Mrs. Kunz, but do you have a minute, I really need to talk to you?" "Well, I am on my way to make copies but you can walk with me." "Alright, well I was just wondering, if there was at all a chance, I mean, is it possible for me to get out of this class?" I was stunned, he was one of the few that I liked. "Well, sure the class hasn't started yet but can I ask for a reason why?" "Sure, but first thank you for your time, I really appreciate it." (see I really liked this kid) "I have been up all night thinking about what you said to us yesterday, and you said if we don't heart biology this class is going to suck, and well I don't heart biology Mrs. Kunz!" "Wow, was that a direct quote?" "Yes, it was." "Huh, well I am so glad to see that you took my words seriously." "I mean I am really sorry but you said that this class would eat us alive if we didn't have a real desire to be in it other than just to raise our GPAs and you said you only gave out 2 A's this year...so I just don't think this class is the class for me." "I am so glad that you figured this out before the start of class and not half way through the first semester!" "So, where do we go from here?" "First, you can give me back your book and second, you need to go see your counselor and get a schedule change." "Oh thank you so much Mrs. Kunz, and thank you for your time again." So there you have it, 1 down and only 18 to go!!

Second story of the day, and this one is shorter. First hour today I had them acting out the old adage "you never really learn it til you teach it." So they were teaching their classmates the topics on the final exam review guide, at least those that were done with their review guides...those that were not done...I had special reserved seating for them. I took desks out of their usual positions and lined them up touching my desk and my demonstration table in the front of the room. All six of them where to sit there silently and complete their review guides! If you remember from previous emails and/or blogs the desks that are closest to my desk I affectionately term "the projects." I mean it as those students are my special little projects, they take it as 'gansta' talk of a locale. So favorite comment..."Man, Mrs. Kunz in three seconds you took me out of the projects and into the HOOD!!"

The Amazement Continues

Continuing with the ecological theme...comments/questions that were made/posed yesterday:

Me: Another name for the boreal biome is the taiga (tie-ga)
(a student begins to chuckle...then out right laughing begins...)
Me: Not sure that I want to know but what could possible be that funny?
Student: I thought you were trying to be gangsta and say tiger!
(Long pausing with major attempts not to laugh...uncontrollably)
Me: WHAT??? When was the last time I tried to be gangsta??
Student: Well...I never really know what you are going to do...
Me: Right...well peace out Homie


Me: [student] give me an example of a coniferous tree.
(mind you the definition is on the board)
Student: oak tree
Me: Really...False alarm...try again
Student: Well...crab apple??
Me: Interesting choice...but again NO...assistance may be found on the board in the form of a definition
(she pauses and reads 'coniferous - seed bearing cones, and needles')
Student: OHHH...a maple tree
Me: A) Since when does a maple tree have cones and needles, B) Only listening for you for the rest of the hour...PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!!


I was describing the tundra biome and the long, cold, dark winters, because of the fact that they are so far north and with the ~23 degree tilt of the Earth the tundra biome can go weeks with no sunshine.
(Hand goes us)
Student: Do they at least have a moon?
Me: Absolutely not...I will not be entertaining such a question...you need some time to reflect on the ridiculousness of that question! You as well will only be listening for the rest of the hour!
(It was at that moment that another hand went up...I hesitated to called on another student right after such an absurd question...but clearly I had not learned my lesson quite yet...)
2nd Student: Well do they at least have extra bright street lights?
Me: In the TUNDRA?????
2nd Student: Yeah, well I mean with no sun, shouldn't they at least have brighter street lights so they can see?
Me: Who is this "they" you speak of IN THE TUNDRA that would be in need of street lights...and brighter ones at that?
(Pausing...)
Me: You know what...you just keep working that out IN YOUR HEAD...the rest of us are going to continue on with the lecture.

Oh it's NOT over yet!!

There apparently has been some confusion based on the last post...I HAVE NOT MADE IT TO SUMMER YET!!! The seniors are gone, but I am still here with my freshman and 5 juniors...the fun is not over yet!! Though as far as freshman biology goes, we are done with all the fun stuff (personal opinion). We are now studying the biosphere and biomes and ecosystems, the basic interdependence of nature...not my fav!! My attention span is limited when it comes to such topics, as is my enthusiasm...which is basis my teach technique!! So the other day I found myself tyring my hardest to stay entertained during my OWN lecture and getting a bit annoyed at my boy in the front row that is "too cool for school" and for some reason I get a sick pleasure out of annoying this particular student with my LOVE of my subject. But at the present moment I felt like he was winning somehow...we were both bored of my subject...I mean talking about how consumers (you and me) are ultimately completely dependent upon producers (plants) for everything from oxygen to energy...snoozer!!! So I found myself picking on this kid...it went something like this:

Me: IF IT WEREN'T FOR PLANT'S ABILITY TO CONVERT INORGANIC SUNLIGHT INTO ORGANIC FORMS OF ENERGY YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE...THAT'S RIGHT YOU WOULD DIE!!! SO LETS HERE IT FOR PLANTS!!!.........HEY, I MEANT IT, SAY THANK YOU TO THE PLANT WORLD...NOW!! (then in almost unison the class thanked the plant world, everyone except for Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics)
Me: YOU (pointing at Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics) I SAID THANK THE PLANT WORLD!

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: Are you being serious?

Me: Hmmmm...YES...say THANK YOU PLANT WORLD

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: thank you plant world

Me: FOR CONVERTING INORGANIC SUNLIGHT INTO USABLE ENERGY FOR ME

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: for converting inorganic sunlight into usable energy for me

Me: THANK YOU PLANT WORLD

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: really...do I have to keep doing this

Me: Yep...grade depends on it...now say THANK YOU PLANT WORLD

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: thank you plant world

Me: FOR THE OXYGEN I BREATH

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: for the oxygen I breath

Me: THANK YOU PLANT WORLD

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: thank you plant world

Me:FOR THE LIMITED AMOUNT OF CARBON DIOXIDE THAT I BREATH IN

Mr. Too Cool for School and Mrs. Kunz's Crazy Antics: for the limited amount of carbon dioxide that I breath in

(at this point I wish I could convey the amount of negative body language and disgusted facial expression along with the back ground chuckles...yes it was PHENOMENAL!!!)


Amusings of today's lectures:

#1 When asked what the word "abiotic" means...and with a degree of help...
Me: What does abiotic mean?
(LONG pause)

Me: Alright well, what does the prefix "bio-" mean?

Student: Study of life

Me: Well that is what "biology" means, but what does "bio-" mean?

Student: Life

Me: Yes, now what happens to a word when you add an "a" in front...what does "abio-" mean?

Student: (enthusasticly says) A LIFE

Me: False, and how about you chill out for the next 5 minuets!!



#2 When talking about the canopy that trees form in a tropical rain forest or tropical dry forest...reviewing the previous days lecture

Me: Close your eyes and imagine you are trekking through a tropical rain forest, look up, what do you see

Student: trees

Me: What about those trees leads to believe you are in a tropical rain forest

Student: they are making a canopy

Me: True, now can someone tell me what we call the life below the canopy?
(no response = I call on someone anyway)

Me: [Student] tell me what we call the life below the canopy.

Unwilling Student: Sheets????

Me: Hmmm since we are in a tropical rain forest and NOT on a bed...I am going to have to go with NO!!

11 more days of this BLISS!!!

Senior's Last Day

Today was my last day with my seniors in AP Biology...and contrary to what I would have believed 150 school days ago...I was overcome with warm feelings for them all!! I developed a pit in stomach when I said goodbye to them...I truly will miss them!! They were after all my FIRST AP Bio class!! So how did we spend our final class period, studying for the AP Exam on Monday...well, not exactly...actually we read more Dr. Seuss!! We spent a half hour doing nothing but sitting on the floor in a circle and reading the rest of my small collection of children's books...THEN we reviewed for that thing called the AP Exam!!

One of my AP students left me with a parting comment "Remeber, plants have style!" Their ever so dry and nerdtastic sense of humor is what I will miss the most!!

In other news, yesterday I was left with a couple of fantastic comments:

Me: "Raise your hand if you can define or describe the word 'interdependence.'"
(in the back of the room a hand that I am usually hesitant to call on...and you will see why...went up loud and proud. I waited for what felt like an eternity but got no other takers, so I had to call on her).
Student A: "Wait I just lost it..."
(Long pause)
Student A: "Wait, what was the question again?"
Me: "Define or describe the word 'interdependence.'"
(Long pause)
Student A: "OH YEAH...EVAPORATION!!"
Me: "What?!?!"
Student A: "Mrs. Kunz do you want to laugh at me right now?"
Me: "Yes I do...and in response to your answer, I am going to go with NO!"

Fantastic comment #2
In my biology class, just starting the unit on ecology and discussing how plants are the primary producers, they transform energy from a nonliving source into usable energy for all other living things. Discussing how plants take in energy from the sun and convert it into food.
(Hand goes up)

Student B: "Wait, I thought you said that only living things could move, and since the SUN MOVES, then isn't it alive?"
Me: (there were no words only facial expressions)
Student C: "GIRL, THE SUN AIN'T MOVIN THE EARTH IS!!!"
Student B: (looks at me humbly) "I shouldn't have asked that question huh?"
Me: "TRUE!"